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FOR PUBLIC DOMAIN ETEXTS*Ver.03.08.92*END* 15 October 1991 The World Factbook 1991 Some tags useful for searching the factbook are as follows: _@_ the first three characters in each country heading; for example, _@_Afghanistan _@_Albania _@_Algeria _@_American Samoa _*_ the first three characters in each section heading; for example, _*_Geography _*_People _*_Government _*_Economy _#_ the first three characters in each individual entry; for example, _#_Total area _#_Comparative area _#_Land boundaries _#_Coastline _%_ the first three characters in the first line following the end of a country section or an appendix _%_ THE WORLD FACTBOOK 1991 The World Factbook is produced annually by the Central Intelligence Agency for the use of United States Government officials, and the style, format, coverage, and content are designed to meet their specific requirements. Information was provided by the Bureau of the Census, Central Intelligence Agency, Defense Intelligence Agency, Defense Nuclear Agency, Department of State, Foreign Broadcast Information Service, Maritime Administration, National Science Foundation (Polar Information Program), Navy Operational Intelligence Center, Office of Territorial and International Affairs, United States Board on Geographic Names, United States Coast Guard, and others. Comments and queries are welcome and may be addressed to: Central Intelligence Agency Attn: Public Affairs Washington, DC 20505 (703) 351-2053 ************************************************************************* US Government officials should obtain copies of The World Factbook directly from their own organizations or through liaison channels from the Central Intelligence Agency. This publication is also available in microfiche, magnetic tape, or diskettes for microcomputers. This publication may be purchased by telephone (VISA or MasterCard) or mail from: Superintendent of Documents US Government Printing Office Washington, DC 20402-9325 Tel: (202) 783-3238 A subscription to this publication may be purchased from: National Technical Information Service 5285 Port Royal Road Springfield, VA 22161 Tel: (703) 487-4630 or: Document Expediting (DOCEX) Project Exchange and Gift Division Library of Congress Washington, DC 20540 Tel: (202) 707-9527 This publication may be purchased in photocopy, microfiche, magnetic tape, or diskettes for microcomputers from: National Technical Information Service 5285 Port Royal Road Springfield, VA 22161 Tel: (703) 487-4650 This publication may be purchased in photocopy or microform from: Photoduplication Service Library of Congress Washington, DC 20540 Tel: (202) 707-5640 ************************************************************************* Table of Contents Notes, Definitions, and Abbreviations Text (247 nations, dependent areas, and other entities) Afghanistan Albania Algeria American Samoa Andorra Angola Anguilla Antarctica Antigua and Barbuda Arctic Ocean Argentina Aruba Ashmore and Cartier Islands Atlantic Ocean Australia Austria Bahamas, The Bahrain Baker Island Bangladesh Barbados Bassas da India Belgium Belize Benin Bermuda Bhutan Bolivia Botswana Bouvet Island Brazil British Indian Ocean Territory British Virgin Islands Brunei Bulgaria Burkina Burma Burundi Cambodia Cameroon Canada Cape Verde Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad Chile China (also see separate Taiwan entry) Christmas Island Clipperton Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia Comoros Congo Cook Islands Coral Sea Islands Costa Rica Cuba Cyprus Czechoslovakia Denmark Djibouti Dominica Dominican Republic Ecuador Egypt El Salvador Equatorial Guinea Ethiopia Europa Island Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) Faroe Islands Fiji Finland France French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern and Antarctic Lands Gabon Gambia, The Gaza Strip Germany Ghana Gibraltar Glorioso Islands Greece Greenland Grenada Guadeloupe Guam Guatemala Guernsey Guinea Guinea-Bissau Guyana Haiti Heard Island and McDonald Islands Honduras Hong Kong Howland Island Hungary Iceland India Indian Ocean Indonesia Iran Iraq Iraq-Saudi Arabia Neutral Zone Ireland Israel (also see separate Gaza Strip and West Bank entries) Italy Ivory Coast Jamaica Jan Mayen Japan Jarvis Island Jersey Johnston Atoll Jordan (also see separate West Bank entry) Juan de Nova Island Kenya Kingman Reef Kiribati Korea, North Korea, South Kuwait Laos Lebanon Lesotho Liberia Libya Liechtenstein Luxembourg Macau Madagascar Malawi Malaysia Maldives Mali Malta Man, Isle of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania Mauritius Mayotte Mexico Micronesia, Federated States of Midway Islands Monaco Mongolia Montserrat Morocco Mozambique Namibia Nauru Navassa Island Nepal Netherlands Netherlands Antilles New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua Niger Nigeria Niue Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway Oman Pacific Islands, Trust Territory of the (Palau) Pacific Ocean Pakistan Palmyra Atoll Panama Papua New Guinea Paracel Islands Paraguay Peru Philippines Pitcairn Islands Poland Portugal Puerto Rico Qatar Reunion Romania Rwanda Saint Helena Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Lucia Saint Pierre and Miquelon Saint Vincent and the Grenadines San Marino Sao Tome and Principe Saudi Arabia Senegal Seychelles Sierra Leone Singapore Solomon Islands Somalia South Africa South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Soviet Union Spain Spratly Islands Sri Lanka Sudan Suriname Svalbard Swaziland Sweden Switzerland Syria Taiwan entry follows Zimbabwe Tanzania Thailand Togo Tokelau Tonga Trinidad and Tobago Tromelin Island Tunisia Turkey Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda United Arab Emirates United Kingdom United States Uruguay Vanuatu Vatican City Venezuela Vietnam Virgin Islands Wake Island Wallis and Futuna West Bank Western Sahara Western Samoa World Yemen Yugoslavia Zaire Zambia Zimbabwe Taiwan Appendix A: The United Nations System Appendix B: International Organization and Group Abbreviations Appendix C: International Organizations and Groups Appendix D: Weights and Measures Appendix E: Cross-Reference List of Geographic Names Notes, Definitions, and Abbreviations There have been some significant changes in this edition. The Literacy entry now includes rates for males, females, and both sexes. Appendix C: International Organizations and Groups is new and includes date established, aim, and list of members. Three maps of special interest have been added this year--republics of the Soviet Union, ethnic groups in the Soviet Union, and ethnic groups in Eastern Europe. _#_Abbreviations: (see Appendix B for international organizations and groups) avdp. avoirdupois c.i.f. cost, insurance, and freight CY calendar year DWT deadweight ton est. estimate Ex-Im Export-Import Bank of the United States f.o.b. free on board FRG Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany); used for information dated before 3 October 1990 or CY91 FY fiscal year GDP gross domestic product GDR German Democratic Republic (East Germany); used for information dated before 3 October 1990 or CY91 GNP gross national product GRT gross register ton km kilometer km2 square kilometer kW kilowatt kWh kilowatt-hour m meter NA not available NEGL negligible nm nautical mile NZ New Zealand ODA official development assistance OOF other official flows PDRY People's Democratic Republic of Yemen [Yemen (Aden) or South Yemen]; used for information dated before 22 May 1990 or CY91 UAE United Arab Emirates UK United Kingdom US United States USSR Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (Soviet Union) YAR Yemen Arab Republic [Yemen (Sanaa) or North Yemen]; used for information dated before 22 May 1990 or CY91 _#_Administrative divisions: The numbers, designatory terms, and first-order administrative divisions are generally those approved by the United States Board on Geographic Names (BGN). Changes that have been reported but not yet acted upon by BGN are noted. _#_Area: Total area is the sum of all land and water areas delimited by international boundaries and/or coastlines. Land area is the aggregate of all surfaces delimited by international boundaries and/or coastlines, excluding inland water bodies (lakes, reservoirs, rivers). Comparative areas are based on total area equivalents. Most entities are compared with the entire US or one of the 50 states. The smaller entities are compared with Washington, DC (178 km2, 69 miles2) or The Mall in Washington, DC (0.59 km2, 0.23 miles2, 146 acres). _#_Birth rate: The average annual number of births during a year per 1,000 population at midyear. Also known as crude birth rate. _#_Dates of information: In general, information available as of 1 January 1991 was used in the preparation of this edition. Population figures are estimates for 1 July 1991, with population growth rates estimated for mid-1991 through mid-1992. Major political events have been updated through 30 June 1991. Military age figures are average annual estimates for 1991-95. _#_Death rate: The average annual number of deaths during a year per l,000 population at midyear. Also known as crude death rate. _#_Diplomatic representation: The US Government has diplomatic relations with 162 nations. There are only 144 US embassies, since some nations have US ambassadors accredited to them, but no physical US mission exists. The US has diplomatic relations with 151 of the 159 UN members--the exceptions are Angola, Belorussia (Byelorussia; constituent republic of the Soviet Union), Cambodia, Cuba, Iran, Vietnam, Ukraine (constituent republic of the Soviet Union) and, obviously, the US itself. In addition, the US has diplomatic relations with 12 nations that are not in the UN--Andorra, Federated States of Micronesia, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Monaco, Nauru, San Marino, South Korea, Switzerland, Tonga, Tuvalu, and the Vatican City. North Korea is not in the UN and the US does not have diplomatic relations with that nation. The US has not recognized the incorporation of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania into the Soviet Union and continues to accredit the diplomatic representatives of their last free governments. _#_Disputes: This category includes a wide variety of situations that range from traditional bilateral boundary disputes to unilateral claims of one sort or another. Every international land boundary dispute in the "Guide to International Boundaries," a map published by the Department of State, is included. References to other situations may also be included that are border- or frontier-relevant, such as maritime disputes, geopolitical questions, or irredentist issues. However, inclusion does not necessarily constitute official acceptance or recognition by the US Government. _#_Economic aid: This entry refers to bilateral commitments of: Official Development Assistance (ODA), which is defined as government grants that (a) are administered with the promotion of economic development and welfare of LDCs as their main objective and (b) are concessional in character and contain a grant element of at least 25%; and Other Official Flows (OOF) or transactions by the official sector whose main objective is other than development-motivated or whose grant element is below the 25% threshold for ODA. OOF transactions include official export credits (such as Eximbank credits), official equity and portfolio investment, and debt reorganization by the official sector that does not meet concessional terms. Aid is considered to have been committed when agreements are initialed by the parties involved and constitute a formal declaration of intent. _#_Entities: Some of the nations, dependent areas, areas of special sovereignty, and governments included in this publication are not independent, and others are not officially recognized by the US Government. Nation refers to a people politically organized into a sovereign state with a definite territory. Dependent area refers to a broad category of political entities that are associated in some way with a nation. Names used for page headings are usually the short-form names as approved by the US Board on Geographic Names. The long-form name is included in the Government section and an entry of "none" indicates a long-form name does not exist. In some instances, no short-form name exists--then the long-form name must serve for all usages. There are 247 entities in the Factbook that may be categorized as follows: NATIONS 157 UN members (there are 159 members in the UN, but only 157 are included in The World Factbook because Belorussia (Byelorussia) and Ukraine are constituent republics of the Soviet Union) 13 nations that are not members of the UN--Andorra, Federated States of Micronesia, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Monaco, Nauru, North Korea, San Marino, South Korea, Switzerland, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vatican City OTHER 1 Taiwan DEPENDENT AREAS 6 Australia--Ashmore and Cartier Islands, Christmas Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Coral Sea Islands, Heard Island and McDonald Islands, Norfolk Island 2 Denmark--Faroe Islands, Greenland 16 France--Bassas da India, Clipperton Island, Europa Island, French Guiana, French Polynesia, French Southern and Antarctic Lands, Glorioso Islands, Guadeloupe, Juan de Nova Island, Martinique, Mayotte, New Caledonia, Reunion, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, Tromelin Island, Wallis and Futuna 2 Netherlands--Aruba, Netherlands Antilles 3 New Zealand--Cook Islands, Niue, Tokelau 3 Norway--Bouvet Island, Jan Mayen, Svalbard 1 Portugal--Macau 16 United Kingdom--Anguilla, Bermuda, British Indian Ocean Territory, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Falkland Islands, Gibraltar, Guernsey, Hong Kong, Isle of Man, Jersey, Montserrat, Pitcairn Islands, Saint Helena, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, Turks and Caicos Islands 15 United States--American Samoa, Baker Island, Guam, Howland Island, Jarvis Island, Johnston Atoll, Kingman Reef, Midway Islands, Navassa Island, Northern Mariana Islands, Palmyra Atoll, Puerto Rico, Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands (Palau), Virgin Islands, Wake Island MISCELLANEOUS 7 Antarctica, Gaza Strip, Iraq-Saudi Arabia Neutral Zone, Paracel Islands, Spratly Islands, West Bank, Western Sahara OTHER ENTITIES 4 oceans--Arctic Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean, Pacific Ocean 1 World === 247 total Notes: The US Government has not recognized the incorporation of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania into the Soviet Union as constituent republics during World War II. Those Baltic states are not members of the UN and are not included in the list of nations. The US Government does not recognize the four so-called "independent" homelands of Bophuthatswana, Ciskei, Transkei, and Venda in South Africa. _#_Gross domestic product (GDP): The value of all goods and services produced domestically. _#_Gross national product (GNP): The value of all goods and services produced domestically, plus income earned abroad, minus income earned by foreigners from domestic production. _#_GNP/GDP methodology: In the Economy section, GNP/GDP dollar estimates for the OECD countries, the USSR, and the East European countries are derived from purchasing power parity (PPP) calculations rather than from conversions at official currency exchange rates. The PPP method normally involves the use of international dollar price weights, which are applied to the quantities of goods and services produced in a given economy. In addition to the lack of reliable data from the majority of countries, the statistician faces a major difficulty in specifying, identifying, and allowing for the quality of goods and services. The division of a PPP GNP/GDP estimate in dollars by the corresponding estimate in the local currency gives the PPP conversion rate. One thousand dollars will buy the same market basket of goods in the US as one thousand dollars, converted to the local currency at the PPP conversion rate, will buy in the other country. GNP/GDP estimates for the LDCs, on the other hand, are based on the conversion of GNP/GDP estimates in local currencies to dollars at the official currency exchange rates. One caution: the proportion of, say, defense expenditures as a percent of GNP/GDP in local currency accounts may differ substantially from the proportion when GNP/GDP accounts are expressed in PPP terms, as, for example, when an observer estimates the dollar level of Soviet or Japanese military expenditures; similar problems exist when components are expressed in dollars under currency exchange rate procedures. Finally, as academic research moves forward on the PPP method, we hope to convert all GNP/GDP estimates to this method in future editions of the Factbook. _#_Growth rate (population): The annual percent change in the population, resulting from a surplus (or deficit) of births over deaths and the balance of migrants entering and leaving a country. The rate may be positive or negative. _#_Illicit drugs: There are five categories of illicit drugs--narcotics, stimulants, depressants (sedatives), hallucinogens, and cannabis. These categories include many drugs legally produced and prescribed by doctors as well as those illegally produced and sold outside medical channels. Cannabis (Cannabis sativa) is the common hemp plant, provides hallucinogens with some sedative properties, and includes marijuana (pot, Acapulco gold, grass, reefer), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC, Marinol), hashish (hash), and hashish oil (hash oil). Coca (Erythroxylon coca) is a bush and the leaves contain the stimulant cocaine. Coca is not to be confused with cocoa which comes from cacao seeds and is used in making chocolate, cocoa, and cocoa butter. Cocaine is a stimulant derived from the leaves of the coca bush. Depressants (sedatives) are drugs that reduce tension and anxiety and include chloral hydrate, barbiturates (Amytal, Nembutal, Seconal, phenobarbital), benzodiazepines (Librium, Valium), methaqualone (Quaalude), glutethimide (Doriden), and others (Equanil, Placidyl, Valmid). Drugs are any chemical substances that effect a physical, mental, emotional, or behavioral change in an individual. Drug abuse is the use of any licit or illicit chemical substance that results in physical, mental, emotional, or behavioral impairment in an individual. Hallucinogens are drugs that affect sensation, thinking, self-awareness, and emotion. Hallucinogens include LSD (acid, microdot), mescaline and peyote (mexc, buttons, cactus), amphetamine variants (PMA, STP, DOB), phencyclidine (PCP, angel dust, hog), phencyclidine analogues (PCE, PCPy, TCP), and others (psilocybin, psilocyn). Hashish is the resinous exudate of the cannabis or hemp plant (Cannabis sativa). Heroin is a semisynthetic derivative of morphine. Marijuana is the dried leaves of the cannabis or hemp plant (Cannabis sativa). Narcotics are drugs that relieve pain, often induce sleep, and refer to opium, opium derivatives, and synthetic substitutes. Natural narcotics include opium (paregoric, parepectolin), morphine (MS-Contin, Roxanol), codeine (Tylenol w/codeine, Empirin w/codeine, Robitussan A-C), and thebaine. Semisynthetic narcotics include heroin (horse, smack), and hydromorphone (Dilaudid). Synthetic narcotics include meperidine or Pethidine (Demerol, Mepergan), methadone (Dolophine, Methadose), and others (Darvon, Lomotil). Opium is the milky exudate of the incised, unripe seedpod of the opium poppy. Opium poppy (Papaver somniferum) is the source for many natural and semisynthetic narcotics. Poppy straw concentrate is the alkaloid derived from the mature dried opium poppy. Qat (kat, khat) is a stimulant from the buds or leaves of Catha edulis that is chewed or drunk as tea. Stimulants are drugs that relieve mild depression, increase energy and activity, and include cocaine (coke, snow, crack), amphetamines (Desoxyn, Dexedrine), phenmetrazine (Preludin), methylphenidate (Ritalin), and others (Cylert, Sanorex, Tenuate). _#_Infant mortality rate: The number of deaths to infants under one year of age in a given year per l,000 live births occurring in the same year. _#_Land use: Human use of the land surface is categorized as arable land--land cultivated for crops that are replanted after each harvest (wheat, maize, rice); permanent crops--land cultivated for crops that are not replanted after each harvest (citrus, coffee, rubber); meadows and pastures--land permanently used for herbaceous forage crops; forest and woodland--land under dense or open stands of trees; and other--any land type not specifically mentioned above (urban areas, roads, desert). The percentage figure for irrigated refers to the portion of the entire amount of land area that is artificially supplied with water. _#_Leaders: The chief of state is the titular leader of the country who represents the state at official and ceremonial funcions but is not involved with the day-to-day activities of the government. The head of government is the administrative leader who manages the day-to-day activities of the government. In the UK, the monarch is the chief of state and the prime minister is the head of government. In the US, the President is both the chief of state and the head of government. _#_Life expectancy at birth: The average number of years to be lived by a group of people all born in the same year, if mortality at each age remains constant in the future. _#_Literacy: There are no universal definitions and standards of literacy. Unless otherwise noted, all rates are based on the most common definition--the ability to read and write at a specified age. Detailing the standards that individual countries use to assess the ability to read and write is beyond the scope of this publication. _#_Maps: All maps will be available only in the printed version for the foreseeable future. _#_Maritime claims: The proximity of neighboring states may prevent some national claims from being fully extended. _#_Merchant marine: All ships engaged in the carriage of goods. All commercial vessels (as opposed to all nonmilitary ships), which excludes tugs, fishing vessels, offshore oil rigs, etc. Also, a grouping of merchant ships by nationality or register. Captive register--A register of ships maintained by a territory, possession, or colony primarily or exclusively for the use of ships owned in the parent country. Also referred to as an offshore register, the offshore equivalent of an internal register. Ships on a captive register will fly the same flag as the parent country, or a local variant of it, but will be subject to the maritime laws and taxation rules of the offshore territory. Although the nature of a captive register makes it especially desirable for ships owned in the parent country, just as in the internal register, the ships may also be owned abroad. The captive register then acts as a flag of convenience register, except that it is not the register of an independent state. Flag of convenience register--A national register offering registration to a merchant ship not owned in the flag state. The major flags of convenience (FOC) attract ships to their register by virtue of low fees, low or nonexistent taxation of profits, and liberal manning requirements. True FOC registers are characterized by having relatively few of the ships registered actually owned in the flag state. Thus, while virtually any flag can be used for ships under a given set of circumstances, an FOC register is one where the majority of the merchant fleet is owned abroad. It is also referred to as an open register. Flag state--The nation in which a ship is registered and which holds legal jurisdiction over operation of the ship, whether at home or abroad. Differences in flag state maritime legislation determine how a ship is manned and taxed and whether a foreign-owned ship may be placed on the register. Internal register--A register of ships maintained as a subset of a national register. Ships on the internal register fly the national flag and have that nationality but are subject to a separate set of maritime rules from those on the main national register. These differences usually include lower taxation of profits, manning by foreign nationals, and, usually, ownership outside the flag state (when it functions as an FOC register). The Norwegian International Ship Register and Danish International Ship Register are the most notable examples of an internal register. Both have been instrumental in stemming flight from the national flag to flags of convenience and in attracting foreign-owned ships to the Norwegian and Danish flags. Merchant ship--A vessel that carries goods against payment of freight. Commonly used to denote any nonmilitary ship but accurately restricted to commercial vessels only. Register--The record of a ship's ownership and nationality as listed with the maritime authorities of a country. Also, the compendium of such individual ships' registrations. Registration of a ship provides it with a nationality and makes it subject to the laws of the country in which registered (the flag state) regardless of the nationality of the ship's ultimate owner. _#_Money figures: All are expressed in contemporaneous US dollars unless otherwise indicated. _#_Net migration rate: The balance between the number of persons entering and leaving a country during the year per 1,000 persons (based on midyear population). An excess of persons entering the country is referred to as net immigration (3.56 migrants/1,000 population); an excess of persons leaving the country as net emigration (-9.26 migrants/1,000 population). _#_Population: Figures are estimates from the Bureau of the Census based on statistics from population censuses, vital registration systems, or sample surveys pertaining to the recent past, and on assumptions about future trends. _#_Total fertility rate: The average number of children that would be born per woman if all women lived to the end of their childbearing years and bore children according to a given fertility rate at each age. _#_Years: All year references are for the calendar year (CY) unless indicated as fiscal year (FY). _#_Note: Information for the US and US dependencies was compiled from material in the public domain and does not represent Intelligence Community estimates. The Handbook of Economic Statistics, published annually in September by the Central Intelligence Agency, contains detailed economic information for the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries, Eastern Europe, the USSR, and selected other countries. The Handbook can be obtained wherever The World Factbook is available. THE WORLD FACTBOOK _@_Afghanistan _*_Geography _#_Total area: 647,500 km2; land area: 647,500 km2 _#_Comparative area: slightly smaller than Texas _#_Land boundaries: 5,826 km total; China 76 km, Iran 936 km, Pakistan 2,430 km, USSR 2,384 km _#_Coastline: none--landlocked _#_Maritime claims: none--landlocked _#_Disputes: Pashtun question with Pakistan; Baloch question with Iran and Pakistan; periodic disputes with Iran over Helmand water rights; insurgency with Iranian and Pakistani involvement; traditional tribal rivalries _#_Climate: arid to semiarid; cold winters and hot summers _#_Terrain: mostly rugged mountains; plains in north and southwest _#_Natural resources: natural gas, crude oil, coal, copper, talc, barites, sulphur, lead, zinc, iron ore, salt, precious and semiprecious stones _#_Land use: arable land 12%; permanent crops NEGL%; meadows and pastures 46%; forest and woodland 3%; other 39%; includes irrigated NEGL% _#_Environment: damaging earthquakes occur in Hindu Kush mountains; soil degradation, desertification, overgrazing, deforestation, pollution _#_Note: landlocked _*_People _#_Population: US Bureau of the Census--16,450,304 (July 1991), growth rate 5.2% (1991) and excludes 3,750,796 refugees in Pakistan and 1,607,281 refugees in Iran; note--another report indicates a July 1990 population of 16,904,904, including 3,271,580 refugees in Pakistan and 1,277,700 refugees in Iran _#_Birth rate: 44 births/1,000 population (1991) _#_Death rate: 20 deaths/1,000 population (1991) _#_Net migration rate: 28 migrants/1,000 population (1991); note--there are flows across the border in both directions, but data are fragmentary and unreliable _#_Infant mortality rate: 164 deaths/1,000 live births (1991) _#_Life expectancy at birth: 44 years male, 43 years female (1991) _#_Total fertility rate: 6.3 children born/woman (1991) _#_Nationality: noun--Afghan(s); adjective--Afghan _#_Ethnic divisions: Pashtun 50%, Tajik 25%, Uzbek 9%, Hazara 12-15%; minor ethnic groups include Chahar Aimaks, Turkmen, Baloch, and other _#_Religion: Sunni Muslim 84%, Shia Muslim 15%, other 1% _#_Language: Pashtu 50%, Afghan Persian (Dari) 35%, Turkic languages (primarily Uzbek and Turkmen) 11%, 30 minor languages (primarily Balochi and Pashai) 4%; much bilingualism _#_Literacy: 29% (male 44%, female 14%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) _#_Labor force: 4,980,000; agriculture and animal husbandry 67.8%, industry 10.2%, construction 6.3%, commerce 5.0%, services and other 10.7%, (1980 est.) _#_Organized labor: some small government-controlled unions _*_Government _#_Long-form name: Republic of Afghanistan _#_Type: authoritarian _#_Capital: Kabul _#_Administrative divisions: 30 provinces (velayat, singular--velayat); Badakhshan, Badghis, Baghlan, Balkh, Bamian, Farah, Faryab, Ghazni, Ghowr, Helmand, Herat, Jowzjan, Kabol, Kandahar, Kapisa, Konar, Kondoz, Laghman, Lowgar, Nangarhar, Nimruz, Oruzgan, Paktia, Paktika, Parvan, Samangan, Sar-e Pol, Takhar, Vardak, Zabol; note--there may be a new province of Nurestan (Nuristan) _#_Independence: 19 August 1919 (from UK) _#_Constitution: adopted 30 November 1987, revised May 1990 _#_Legal system: has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction _#_National holiday: Anniversary of the Saur Revolution, 27 April (1978) _#_Executive branch: president, four vice presidents, prime minister, deputy prime minister, Council of Ministers (cabinet) _#_Legislative branch: bicameral National Assembly (Meli Shura) consists of an upper house or Council of Elders (Sena) and a lower house or Council of Representatives (Wolosi Jirga) _#_Judicial branch: Supreme Court _#_Leaders: Chief of State and Head of Government--President (Mohammad) NAJIBULLAH (Ahmadzai) (since 30 November 1987); First Vice President Abdul Wahed SORABI (since 7 January 1991); Prime Minister Fazil Haq KHALIQYAR (since 21 May 1990) _#_Political parties and leaders: main party--Hizbi Watan Homeland Party (formerly known as the People's Democratic Party of Afghanistan or PDPA); there are other, much smaller political parties recognized by the government _#_Suffrage: universal, male ages 15-50 _#_Elections: Senate--last held NA April 1988 (next to be held April 1991); results--Hizbi Watan was the only party; seats--(192 total, 128 elected) Hizbi Watan 128; House of Representatives--last held NA April 1988 (next to be held April 1993); results--Hizbi Watan was the only party; seats--(234 total) Hizbi Watan 184, opposition 50; note--members may or may not be affiliated with a political party _#_Communists: Hizbi Watan Homeland Party (formerly the People's Democratic Party of Afghanistan or PDPA) claims 200,000 members and no longer considers itself a Communist party _#_Other political or pressure groups: the military and other branches of internal security have been rebuilt by the USSR; insurgency continues throughout the country; widespread antiregime sentiment and opposition on religious and political grounds _#_Member of: AsDB, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, INTELSAT, IOC, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OIC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WMO, WTO; note--Afghanistan was suspended from the OIC in January 1980, but in March 1989 the self-proclaimed Mujaheddin Government of Afghanistan was given membership _#_Diplomatic representation: Minister-Counselor, Charge d'Affaires Abdul Ghafur JOUSHAN; Chancery at 2341 Wyoming Avenue NW, Washington DC 20008; telephone (202) 234-3770 or 3771; US--Charge d'Affaires (vacant); Embassy at Ansari Wat, Wazir Akbar Khan Mina, Kabul; telephone 62230 through 62235 or 62436; note--US Embassy in Kabul was closed in January 1989 _#_Flag: three equal horizontal bands of black (top), red, and green with the national coat of arms superimposed on the hoist side of the black and red bands; similar to the flag of Malawi which is shorter and bears a radiant, rising red sun centered in the black band _*_Economy _#_Overview: Fundamentally, Afghanistan is an extremely poor, landlocked country, highly dependent on farming (wheat especially) and livestock raising (sheep and goats). Economic considerations, however, have played second fiddle to political and military upheavals, including the nine-year Soviet military occupation (ended 15 February 1989) and the continuing bloody civil war. Over the past decade, one-third of the population has fled the country, with Pakistan sheltering about 3.3 million refugees and Iran about 1.3 million. Another 1 million have probably moved into and around urban areas within Afghanistan. Large numbers of bridges, buildings, and factories have been destroyed or damaged by military action or sabotage. Government claims to the contrary, gross domestic product almost certainly is lower than 10 years ago because of the loss of labor and capital and the disruption of trade and transport. _#_GDP: $3 billion, per capita $200; real growth rate 0% (1989 est.) _#_Inflation rate (consumer prices): over 92% (1990 est.) _#_Unemployment rate: NA% _#_Budget: revenues $1.2 billion; expenditures $4.3 billion, including capital expenditures of $306 million (FY91 est.) _#_Exports: $236 million (f.o.b., FY90); commodities--natural gas 55%, fruits and nuts 24%, handwoven carpets, wool, cotton, hides, and pelts; partners--mostly USSR and Eastern Europe _#_Imports: $874 million (c.i.f., FY90 est.); commodities--food and petroleum products; partners--mostly USSR and Eastern Europe _#_External debt: $2.3 billion (March 1991 est.) _#_Industrial production: growth rate 8.1% (FY91 plan); accounts for about 25% of GDP _#_Electricity: 480,000 kW capacity; 1,470 million kWh produced, 100 kWh per capita (1989) _#_Industries: small-scale production of textiles, soap, furniture, shoes, fertilizer, and cement; handwoven carpets; natural gas, oil, coal, copper _#_Agriculture: largely subsistence farming and nomadic animal husbandry; cash products--wheat, fruits, nuts, karakul pelts, wool, mutton _#_Illicit drugs: an illicit producer of opium poppy and cannabis for the international drug trade; world's second-largest opium producer (after Burma) and a major source of hashish _#_Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $322 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-88), $465 million; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $57 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $4.1 billion _#_Currency: afghani (plural--afghanis); 1 afghani (Af) = 100 puls _#_Exchange rates: afghanis (Af) per US$1--586 (March 1991) _#_Fiscal year: 21 March-20 March _*_Communications _#_Railroads: 9.6 km (single track) 1.524-meter gauge from Kushka (USSR) to Towraghondi and 15.0 km from Termez (USSR) to Kheyrabad transshipment point on south bank of Amu Darya _#_Highways: 21,000 km total (1984); 2,800 km hard surface, 1,650 km bituminous-treated gravel and improved earth, 16,550 km unimproved earth and tracks _#_Inland waterways: total navigability 1,200 km; chiefly Amu Darya, which handles steamers up to about 500 metric tons _#_Pipelines: petroleum, oil, and lubricants pipelines--USSR to Bagram and USSR to Shindand; natural gas, 180 km _#_Ports: Shir Khan and Kheyrabad (river ports) _#_Civil air: 2 TU-154, 2 Boeing 727, 4 Yak-40, assorted smaller transports _#_Airports: 40 total, 36 usable; 9 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 10 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 17 with runways 1,220-2,439 m _#_Telecommunications: limited telephone, telegraph, and radiobroadcast services; television introduced in 1980; 31,200 telephones; stations--5 AM, no FM, 1 TV; 1 satellite earth station _*_Defense Forces _#_Branches: Army, Air and Air Defense Forces, Special Guard/National Guard, Border Guard Forces, National Police Force (Sarandoi), Ministry of State Security (WAD), Tribal Militia _#_Manpower availability: males 15-49, 4,049,092; 2,171,757 fit for military service; 166,135 reach military age (22) annually _#_Defense expenditures: $450 million, 15% of GDP (1990) _%_ _@_Albania _*_Geography _#_Total area: 28,750 km2; land area: 27,400 km2 _#_Comparative area: slightly larger than Maryland _#_Land boundaries: 768 km total; Greece 282 km, Yugoslavia 486 km _#_Coastline: 362 km _#_Maritime claims: Continental shelf: not specified; Territorial sea: 12 nm _#_Disputes: Kosovo question with Yugoslavia; Northern Epirus question with Greece _#_Climate: mild temperate; cool, cloudy, wet winters; hot, clear, dry summers; interior is cooler and wetter _#_Terrain: mostly mountains and hills; small plains along coast _#_Natural resources: crude oil, natural gas, coal, chromium, copper, timber, nickel _#_Land use: arable land 21%; permanent crops 4%; meadows and pastures 15%; forest and woodland 38%; other 22%; includes irrigated 1% _#_Environment: subject to destructive earthquakes; tsunami occur along southwestern coast; deforestation seems to be slowing _#_Note: strategic location along Strait of Otranto (links Adriatic Sea to Ionian Sea and Mediterranean Sea) _*_People _#_Population: 3,335,044 (July 1991), growth rate 1.8% (1991) _#_Birth rate: 24 births/1,000 population (1991) _#_Death rate: 5 deaths/1,000 population (1991) _#_Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1991) _#_Infant mortality rate: 50 deaths/1,000 live births (1991) _#_Life expectancy at birth: 72 years male, 79 years female (1991) _#_Total fertility rate: 2.9 children born/woman (1991) _#_Nationality: noun--Albanian(s); adjective--Albanian _#_Ethnic divisions: Albanian 90%, Greeks 8%, other 2% (Vlachs, Gypsies, Serbs, and Bulgarians) (1989 est.) _#_Religion: all mosques and churches were closed in 1967 and religious observances prohibited; in November 1990 Albania began allowing private religious practice and was considering the repeal of the constitutional amendment banning religious activities; estimates of religious affiliation--Muslim 70%, Greek Orthodox 20%, Roman Catholic 10% _#_Language: Albanian (Tosk is official dialect), Greek _#_Literacy: 72% (male 80%, female 63%) age 9 and over can read and write (1955) _#_Labor force: 1,500,000 (1987); agriculture about 60%, industry and commerce 40% (1986) _#_Organized labor: Central Council of Albanian Trade Unions, 610,000 members _*_Government _#_Long-form name: Republic of Albania _#_Type: nascent democracy with strong Communist party influence; basic law has dropped all references to socialism _#_Capital: Tirane _#_Administrative divisions: 26 districts (rrethe, singular--rreth); Berat, Dibre, Durres, Elbasan, Fier, Gjirokaster, Gramsh, Kolonje, Korce, Kruje, Kukes, Lezhe, Librazhd, Lushnje, Mat, Mirdite, Permet, Pogradec, Puke, Sarande, Shkoder, Skrapar, Tepelene, Tirane, Tropoje, Vlore _#_Independence: 28 November 1912 (from Ottoman Empire); People's Socialist Republic of Albania declared 11 January 1946 _#_Constitution: an interim basic law was approved by the People's Assembly on 29 April 1991; a new constitution is to be drafted for adoption in four to six months _#_Legal system: has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction _#_National holiday: Liberation Day, 29 November (1944) _#_Executive branch: president, prime minister of the Council of Ministers, one deputy prime minister of the Council of Ministers _#_Legislative branch: unicameral People's Assembly (Kuvendi Popullor) _#_Judicial branch: Supreme Court _#_Leaders: Chief of State--President of the Republic Ramiz ALIA (since 22 November 1982); Head of Government--Prime Minister of the interim Council of Ministers Ylli BUFI (since 5 June 1991); _#_Political parties and leaders: Albanian Workers Party (AWP), Ramiz ALIA, first secretary; Democratic Party (DP), Sali BERISHA, chairman and cofounder with Gramoz PASHKO; Albanian Republican Party, Sabri GODO; Ecology Party, Namik HOTI; Omonia (Greek minority party), leader NA; Agrarian Party, leader NA; note--in December 1990 President ALIA allowed new political parties to be formed in addition to the AWP for the first time since 1944 _#_Suffrage: universal and compulsory at age 18 _#_Elections: President--last held 30 April 1991 (next to be held spring 1992); results--President Ramiz ALIA was reelected with token opposition; People's Assembly--last held 31 March 1991 (next to be held spring 1992); results--AWP 68%, DP 25%; seats--(250 total) preliminary results AWP 168, DP 75, Omonia 5, Veterans Association 1, other 1; note--the AWP's votes came mostly from the countryside while the DP won majorities in the six-largest cities; _#_Communists: 147,000 party members (November 1986); note--in March 1991 the Albanian Workers' Party announced that it considered itself no longer Communist but socialist _#_Member of: ECE, FAO, IAEA, IOC, ISO, ITU, LORCS, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WMO _#_Diplomatic representation: the Governments of the United States and Albania agreed to reestablish diplomatic relations to be effective from 15 March 1991 and to exchange diplomatic missions at the level of ambassador _#_Flag: red with a black two-headed eagle in the center below a red five-pointed star outlined in yellow _*_Economy _#_Overview: As the poorest country in Europe, Albania's development lags behind even the least favored areas of the Yugoslav economy. For over 40 years, the Stalinist-type economy has operated on the principles of central planning and state ownership of the means of production. In recent years Albania has implemented limited economic reforms to stimulate its lagging economy, provide incentives, and decentralize decisionmaking. In an effort to expand international ties, Tirane has reestablished diplomatic relations with the Soviet Union and the US. The Albanians have also passed legislation allowing foreign investment. Albania possesses considerable mineral resources and, until 1990, was largely self-sufficient in food; several years of drought have hindered agricultural development. Numerical estimates of Albanian economic activity are subject to an especially wide margin of error because the government until recently did not release economic information. _#_GNP: $4.1 billion, per capita $1,250; real growth rate NA% (1990 est.) _#_Inflation rate (consumer prices): NA% _#_Unemployment rate: NA% _#_Budget: revenues $2.3 billion; expenditures $2.3 billion, including capital expenditures of NA (1989) _#_Exports: $378 million (f.o.b., 1987 est.); commodities--asphalt, bitumen, petroleum products, metals and metallic ores, electricity, oil, vegetables, fruits, tobacco; partners--Italy, Yugoslavia, FRG, Greece, Czechoslovakia, Poland, Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary _#_Imports: $255 million (f.o.b., 1987 est.); commodities--machinery, machine tools, iron and steel products, textiles, chemicals, pharmaceuticals; partners--Italy, Yugoslavia, FRG, Czechoslovakia, Romania, Poland, Hungary, Bulgaria, GDR _#_External debt: $NA _#_Industrial production: growth rate NA _#_Electricity: 1,690,000 kW capacity; 5,000 million kWh produced, 1,530 kWh per capita (1990) _#_Industries: food processing, textiles and clothing, lumber, oil, cement, chemicals, basic metals, hydropower _#_Agriculture: arable land per capita among lowest in Europe; one-half of work force engaged in farming; produces wide range of temperate-zone crops and livestock; claims self-sufficiency in grain output _#_Economic aid: Western (non-US) countries, ODA (1988) $5.8 million _#_Currency: lek (plural--leke); 1 lek (L) = 100 qintars _#_Exchange rates: leke (L) per US$1--8.00 (noncommercial fixed rate since 1986), 4.14 (commercial fixed rate since 1987) _#_Fiscal year: calendar year _*_Communications _#_Railroads: 543 km total; 509 1.435-meter standard gauge, single track and 34 km narrow gauge, single track (1990); line connecting Titograd (Yugoslavia) and Shkoder (Albania) completed August 1986 _#_Highways: 16,700 km total; 6,700 km highway and roads, 10,000 km forest and agricultural (1990) _#_Inland waterways: 43 km plus Albanian sections of Lake Scutari, Lake Ohrid, and Lake Prespa (1990) _#_Pipelines: crude oil, 145 km; refined products, 55 km; natural gas, 64 km (1988) _#_Ports: Durres, Sarande, Vlore _#_Merchant marine: 11 cargo ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 52,886 GRT/75,993 DWT _#_Airports: 12 total, 10 usable; more than 5 with permanent-surface runways; more than 5 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 5 with runways 1,220-2,439 m _#_Telecommunications: stations--17 AM, 1 FM, 9 TV; 246,000 TVs (1990); 210,000 radios _*_Defense Forces _#_Branches: Albanian People's Army, Albanian Coastal Defense Command, Air and Air Defense Force, Frontier Troops, Interior Troops _#_Manpower availability: males 15-49, 900,723; 743,594 fit for military service; 33,497 reach military age (19) annually _#_Defense expenditures: 1.0 billion leks, NA% of GDP (FY90); note--conversion of defense expenditures into US dollars using the official administratively set exchange rate would produce misleading results _%_ _@_Algeria _*_Geography _#_Total area: 2,381,740 km2; land area: 2,381,740 km2 _#_Comparative area: slightly less than 3.5 times the size of Texas _#_Land boundaries: 6,343 km total; Libya 982 km, Mali 1,376 km, Mauritania 463 km, Morocco 1,559 km, Niger 956 km, Tunisia 965 km, Western Sahara 42 km _#_Coastline: 998 km _#_Maritime claims: Territorial sea: 12 nm _#_Disputes: Libya claims about 19,400 km2 in southeastern Algeria _#_Climate: arid to semiarid; mild, wet winters with hot, dry summers along coast; drier with cold winters and hot summers on high plateau; sirocco is a hot, dust/sand-laden wind especially common in summer _#_Terrain: mostly high plateau and desert; some mountains; narrow, discontinuous coastal plain _#_Natural resources: crude oil, natural gas, iron ore, phosphates, uranium, lead, zinc _#_Land use: arable land 3%; permanent crops NEGL%; meadows and pastures 13%; forest and woodland 2%; other 82%; includes irrigated NEGL% _#_Environment: mountainous areas subject to severe earthquakes; desertification _#_Note: second-largest country in Africa (after Sudan) _*_People _#_Population: 26,022,188 (July 1991), growth rate 2.5% (1991) _#_Birth rate: 32 births/1,000 population (1991) _#_Death rate: 7 deaths/1,000 population (1991) _#_Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1991) _#_Infant mortality rate: 57 deaths/1,000 live births (1991) _#_Life expectancy at birth: 66 years male, 68 years female (1991) _#_Total fertility rate: 4.2 children born/woman (1991) _#_Nationality: noun--Algerian(s); adjective--Algerian _#_Ethnic divisions: Arab-Berber 99%, European less than 1% _#_Religion: Sunni Muslim (state religion) 99%, Christian and Jewish 1% _#_Language: Arabic (official), French, Berber dialects _#_Literacy: 50% (male 63%, female 36%) age 15 and over can read and write (1987) _#_Labor force: 3,700,000; industry and commerce 40%, agriculture 24%, government 17%, services 10% (1984) _#_Organized labor: 16-19% of labor force claimed; General Union of Algerian Workers (UGTA) is the only labor organization and is subordinate to the National Liberation Front _*_Government _#_Long-form name: Democratic and Popular Republic of Algeria _#_Type: republic _#_Capital: Algiers _#_Administrative divisions: 48 provinces (wilayat, singular--wilaya); Adrar, Ain Defla, Ain Temouchent, Alger, Annaba, Batna, Bechar, Bejaia, Biskra, Blida, Bordj Bou Arreridj, Bouira, Boumerdes, Chlef, Constantine, Djelfa, El Bayadh, El Oued, El Tarf, Ghardaia, Guelma, Illizi, Jijel, Khenchela, Laghouat, Mascara, Medea, Mila, Mostaganem, M'sila, Naama, Oran, Ouargla, Oum el Bouaghi, Relizane, Saida, Setif, Sidi Bel Abbes, Skikda, Souk Ahras, Tamanghasset, Tebessa, Tiaret, Tindouf, Tipaza, Tissemsilt, Tizi Ouzou, Tlemcen _#_Independence: 5 July 1962 (from France) _#_Constitution: 19 November 1976, effective 22 November 1976 _#_Legal system: socialist, based on French and Islamic law; judicial review of legislative acts in ad hoc Constitutional Council composed of various public officials, including several Supreme Court justices; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction _#_National holiday: Anniversary of the Revolution, 1 November (1954) _#_Executive branch: president, prime minister, Council of Ministers (cabinet) _#_Legislative branch: unicameral National People's Assembly (Al-Majlis Ech-Chaabi Al-Watani) _#_Judicial branch: Supreme Court (Cour Supreme) _#_Leaders: Chief of State--President Chadli BENDJEDID (since 7 February 1979); Head of Government--Prime Minister Sid Ahmed GHOZALI (since 6 June 1991) _#_Political parties and leaders: National Liberation Front (FLN), Chadli BENDJEDID, president; Islamic Salvation Front (FIS), Abassi MADANI; the government established a multiparty system in September 1989 and as of 31 December 1990 over 30 legal parties existed _#_Suffrage: universal at age 18 _#_Elections: President--last held on 22 December 1988 (next to be held December 1993); results--President BENDJEDID was reelected without opposition; National People's Assembly--last held on 26 February 1987 (next were to be held 27 June 1991 but postponed indefinitely because of civil unrest); results--FLN was the only party; seats--(281 total) FLN 281; note--the government held multiparty elections (municipal and wilaya) in June 1990, the first in Algerian history; results--FIS 55%, FLN 27.5%, other 17.5%, with 65% of the voters participating _#_Communists: 400 (est.); Communist party banned 1962 _#_Member of: ABEDA, AfDB, AFESD, AL, AMF, AMU, CCC, ECA, FAO, G-19, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IDB, IFAD, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ISO, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAPEC, OAS (observer), OAU, OIC, OPEC, UN, UNAVEM, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO _#_Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Abderrahmane BENSID; Chancery at 2118 Kalorama Road NW, Washington DC 20008; telephone (202) 328-5300; US--Ambassador Christopher W. S. ROSS; Embassy at 4 Chemin Cheich Bachir El-Ibrahimi, Algiers (mailing address is B. P. Box 549, Alger-Gare, 16000 Algiers); telephone [213] (2) 601-425 or 255, 186; there is a US Consulate in Oran _#_Flag: two equal vertical bands of green (hoist side) and white with a red five-pointed star within a red crescent; the crescent, star, and color green are traditional symbols of Islam (the state religion) _*_Economy _#_Overview: The exploitation of oil and natural gas products forms the backbone of the economy. Algeria depends on hydrocarbons for nearly all of its export receipts, about 30% of government revenues, and nearly 25% of GDP. In 1973-74 the sharp increase in oil prices led to a booming economy and helped to finance an ambitious program of industrialization. Plunging oil and gas prices, combined with the mismanagement of Algeria's highly centralized economy, have brought the nation to its most serious social and economic crisis since independence. The government has promised far-reaching reforms, including giving public-sector companies more autonomy, encouraging private-sector activity, boosting gas and nonhydrocarbon exports, and proposing a major overhaul of the banking and financial systems, but to date has made little progress. _#_GDP: $54 billion, per capita $2,130; real growth rate 2.5% (1990 est.) _#_Inflation rate (consumer prices): 16.6% (1990) _#_Unemployment rate: 26% (1990 est.) _#_Budget: revenues $16.7 billion; expenditures $17.3 billion, including capital expenditures of $6.6 billion (1990 est.) _#_Exports: $10.2 billion (f.o.b., 1990 est.); commodities--petroleum and natural gas 98%; partners--Netherlands, Czechoslovakia, Romania, Italy, France, US _#_Imports: $9.2 billion (f.o.b., 1990 est.); commodities--capital goods 29%, consumer goods 30%; partners--France 25%, Italy 8%, FRG 8%, US 6-7% _#_External debt: $26.6 billion (December 1990) _#_Industrial production: growth rate -3% (1989 est.); accounts for 30% of GDP, including petroleum _#_Electricity: 5,156,000 kW capacity; 14,900 million kWh produced, 580 kWh per capita (1990) _#_Industries: petroleum, light industries, natural gas, mining, electrical, petrochemical, food processing _#_Agriculture: accounts for 11% of GDP and employs 24% of labor force; net importer of food--grain, vegetable oil, and sugar; farm production includes wheat, barley, oats, grapes, olives, citrus, fruits, sheep,and cattle _#_Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-85), $1.4 billion; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-88), $8.5 billion; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $1.8 billion; Communist countries (1970-89), $2.7 billion _#_Currency: Algerian dinar (plural--dinars); 1 Algerian dinar (DA) = 100 centimes _#_Exchange rates: Algerian dinars (DA) per US$1--13.581 (January 1991), 8.958 (1990), 7.6086 (1989), 5.9148 (1988), 4.8497 (1987), 4.7023 (1986), 5.0278 (1985) _#_Fiscal year: calendar year _*_Communications _#_Railroads: 4,146 km total; 2,632 km standard gauge (1.435 m), 1,258 km 1.055-meter gauge, 256 km 1.000-meter gauge; 300 km electrified; 215 km double track _#_Highways: 80,000 km total; 60,000 km concrete or bituminous, 20,000 km gravel, crushed stone, unimproved earth _#_Pipelines: crude oil, 6,612 km; refined products, 298 km; natural gas, 2,948 km _#_Ports: Algiers, Annaba, Arzew, Bejaia, Jijel, Mers el Kebir, Mostaganem, Oran, Skikda _#_Merchant marine: 75 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 903,179 GRT/1,063,994 DWT; includes 5 short-sea passenger, 27 cargo, 2 vehicle carrier, 10 roll-on/roll-off cargo, 5 petroleum, oils, and lubricants (POL) tanker, 9 liquefied gas, 7 chemical tanker, 9 bulk, 1 specialized tanker _#_Civil air: 42 major transport aircraft _#_Airports: 145 total, 134 usable; 53 with permanent-surface runways; 3 with runways over 3,659 m; 30 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 66 with runways 1,220-2,439 m _#_Telecommunications: excellent domestic and international service in the north, sparse in the south; 693,000 telephones; stations--26 AM, no FM, 113 TV; 1,550,000 TV sets; 3,500,000 receiver sets; 6 submarine cables; coaxial cable or radio relay to Italy, France, Spain, Morocco, and Tunisia; satellite earth stations--1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT, 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT, 1 Intersputnik, 1 ARABSAT, and 15 domestic _*_Defense Forces _#_Branches: Army, Navy, Air Force, Territorial Air Defense, National Gendarmerie _#_Manpower availability: males 15-49, 6,142,818; 3,780,873 fit for military service; 293,175 reach military age (19) annually _#_Defense expenditures: $857 million, 1.8% of GDP (1991) _%_ _@_American Samoa (territory of the US) _*_Geography _#_Total area: 199 km2; land area: 199 km2 _#_Comparative area: slightly larger than Washington, DC _#_Land boundaries: none _#_Coastline: 116 km _#_Maritime claims: Contiguous zone: 12 nm; Continental shelf: 200 m (depth); Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm; Territorial sea: 12 nm _#_Climate: tropical marine, moderated by southeast trade winds; annual rainfall averages 124 inches; rainy season from November to April, dry season from May to October; little seasonal temperature variation _#_Terrain: five volcanic islands with rugged peaks and limited coastal plains, two coral atolls _#_Natural resources: pumice and pumicite _#_Land use: arable land 10%; permanent crops 5%; meadows and pastures 0%; forest and woodland 75%; other 10% _#_Environment: typhoons common from December to March _#_Note: Pago Pago has one of the best natural deepwater harbors in the South Pacific Ocean, sheltered by shape from rough seas and protected by peripheral mountains from high winds; strategic location about 3,700 km south-southwest of Honolulu in the South Pacific Ocean about halfway between Hawaii and New Zealand _*_People _#_Population: 43,052 (July 1991), growth rate 2.9% (1991) _#_Birth rate: 41 births/1,000 population (1991) _#_Death rate: 4 deaths/1,000 population (1991) _#_Net migration rate: - 8 immigrants/1,000 population (1991) _#_Infant mortality rate: 11 deaths/1,000 live births (1991) _#_Life expectancy at birth: 69 years male, 74 years female (1991) _#_Total fertility rate: 5.4 children born/woman (1991) _#_Nationality: noun--American Samoan(s); adjective--American Samoan _#_Ethnic divisions: Samoan (Polynesian) 90%, Caucasian 2%, Tongan 2%, other 6% _#_Religion: Christian Congregationalist 50%, Roman Catholic 20%, Protestant denominations and other 30% _#_Language: Samoan (closely related to Hawaiian and other Polynesian languages) and English; most people are bilingual _#_Literacy: 97% (male 97%, female 97%) age 15 and over can read and write (1980) _#_Labor force: 11,145; government 48%, tuna canneries 33%, other 19% (1986 est.) _#_Organized labor: NA _#_Note: about 65,000 American Samoans live in the States of California and Washington and 20,000 in Hawaii _*_Government _#_Long-form name: Territory of American Samoa _#_Type: unincorporated and unorganized territory of the US _#_Capital: Pago Pago _#_Administrative divisions: none (territory of the US) _#_Independence: none (territory of the US) _#_Constitution: ratified 1966, in effect 1967 _#_National holiday: Flag Day, 17 April (1900) _#_Executive branch: President of the US, governor, lieutenant governor _#_Legislative branch: bicameral Legislative Assembly (Fono) consists of an upper house or Senate and a lower house or House of Representatives _#_Judicial branch: High Court _#_Leaders: Chief of State--President George BUSH (since 20 January 1989); Vice President Dan QUAYLE (since 20 January 1989); Head of Government--Governor Peter Tali COLEMAN (since 20 January 1989); Lieutenant Governor Galea'i POUMELE (since NA 1989) _#_Suffrage: universal at age 18; indigenous inhabitants are US nationals, not US citizens _#_Elections: Governor--last held 7 November 1988 (next to be held November 1992); results--Peter T. COLEMAN was elected (percent of vote NA); Senate--last held 7 November 1988 (next to be held November 1992); results--senators elected by county councils from 12 senate districts; seats--(18 total) number of seats by party NA; House of Representatives--last held NA November 1990 (next to be held November 1992); results--representatives popularly elected from 17 house districts; seats--(21 total, 20 elected and 1 nonvoting delegate from Swain's Island); US House of Representatives--last held 19 November 1990 (next to be held November 1992); results--Eni R. F. H. FALEOMAVAEGA reelected as a nonvoting delegate _#_Communists: none _#_Member of: IOC, SPC _#_Diplomatic representation: none (territory of the US) _#_Flag: blue with a white triangle edged in red that is based on the fly side and extends to the hoist side; a brown and white American bald eagle flying toward the hoist side is carrying two traditional Samoan symbols of authority, a staff and a war club _#_Note: administered by the US Department of Interior, Office of Territorial and International Affairs; indigenous inhabitants are US nationals, not citizens of the US _*_Economy _#_Overview: Economic development is strongly linked to the US, with which American Samoa does 90% of its foreign trade. Tuna fishing and tuna processing plants are the backbone of the private-sector economy, with canned tuna the primary export. The tuna canneries are the second-largest employer, exceeded only by the government. Other economic activities include meat canning, handicrafts, dairy farming, and a slowly developing tourist industry. _#_GNP: $190 million, per capita $5,210; real growth rate NA% (1985) _#_Inflation rate (consumer prices): 4.3% (1989) _#_Unemployment rate: 13.4% (1986) _#_Budget: revenues $51.2 million; expenditures $59.9 million, including capital expenditures of $NA million (1990) _#_Exports: $288 million (f.o.b., 1987); commodities--canned tuna 93%; partners--US 99.6% _#_Imports: $346 million (c.i.f., 1987); commodities--building materials 18%, food 17%, petroleum products 14%; partners--US 72%, Japan 7%, NZ 7%, Australia 5%, other 9% _#_External debt: $NA _#_Industrial production: growth rate NA% _#_Electricity: 42,000 kW capacity; 85 million kWh produced, 2,020 kWh per capita (1990) _#_Industries: tuna canneries (largely dependent on foreign supplies of raw tuna) _#_Agriculture: bananas, coconuts, vegetables, taro, breadfruit, yams, copra, pineapples, papayas _#_Economic aid: $21,042,650 million in operational funds and $5,948,931 million in construction funds for capital improvement projects from the US Department of Interior (1991) _#_Currency: US currency is used _#_Exchange rates: US currency is used _#_Fiscal year: 1 October-30 September _*_Communications _#_Railroads: none _#_Highways: 350 km total; 150 km paved, 200 km unpaved _#_Ports: Pago Pago, Ta'u _#_Airports: 4 total, 4 usable; 2 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 1 with runways 2,440 to 3,659 m (international airport at Tafuna, near Pago Pago); small airstrips on Ta'u and Ofu _#_Telecommunications: 6,500 telephones; stations--1 AM, 2 FM, 1 TV; good telex, telegraph, and facsimile services; 1 Pacific Ocean INTELSAT earth station, 1 COMSAT earth station _*_Defense Forces _#_Note: defense is the responsibility of the US _%_ _@_Andorra _*_Geography _#_Total area: 450 km2; land area: 450 km2 _#_Comparative area: slightly more than 2.5 times the size of Washington, DC _#_Land boundaries: 125 km total; France 60 km, Spain 65 km _#_Coastline: none--landlocked _#_Maritime claims: none--landlocked _#_Climate: temperate; snowy, cold winters and cool, dry summers _#_Terrain: rugged mountains dissected by narrow valleys _#_Natural resources: hydropower, mineral water, timber, iron ore, lead _#_Land use: arable land 2%; permanent crops 0%; meadows and pastures 56%; forest and woodland 22%; other 20% _#_Environment: deforestation, overgrazing _#_Note: landlocked _*_People _#_Population: 53,197 (July 1991), growth rate 2.4% (1991) _#_Birth rate: 11 births/1,000 population (1991) _#_Death rate: 4 deaths/1,000 population (1991) _#_Net migration rate: 16 migrants/1,000 population (1991) _#_Infant mortality rate: 7 deaths/1,000 live births (1991) _#_Life expectancy at birth: 74 years male, 81 years female (1991) _#_Total fertility rate: 1.3 children born/woman (1991) _#_Nationality: noun--Andorran(s); adjective--Andorran _#_Ethnic divisions: Catalan stock; Spanish 61%, Andorran 30%, French 6%, other 3% _#_Religion: virtually all Roman Catholic _#_Language: Catalan (official); many also speak some French and Castilian _#_Literacy: NA% (male NA%, female NA%) _#_Labor force: NA _#_Organized labor: none _*_Government _#_Long-form name: Principality of Andorra _#_Type: unique coprincipality under formal sovereignty of president of France and Spanish bishop of Seo de Urgel, who are represented locally by officials called verguers _#_Capital: Andorra la Vella _#_Administrative divisions: 7 parishes (parroquies, singular--parroquia); Andorra, Canillo, Encamp, La Massana, Les Escaldes, Ordino, Sant Julia de Loria _#_Independence: 1278 _#_Constitution: none; some pareatges and decrees, mostly custom and usage _#_Legal system: based on French and Spanish civil codes; no judicial review of legislative acts; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction _#_National holiday: Mare de Deu de Meritxell, 8 September _#_Executive branch: two co-princes (president of France, bishop of Seo de Urgel in Spain), two designated representatives (French veguer, Episcopal veguer), two permanent delegates (French prefect for the department of Pyrenees-Orientales, Spanish vicar general for the Seo de Urgel diocese), president of government, Executive Council _#_Legislative branch: unicameral General Council of the Valleys (Consell General de las Valls) _#_Judicial branch: civil cases--Supreme Court of Andorra at Perpignan (France) or the Ecclesiastical Court of the bishop of Seo de Urgel (Spain); criminal cases--Tribunal of the Courts (Tribunal des Cortes) _#_Leaders: Chiefs of State--French Co-Prince Francois MITTERRAND (since 21 May 1981), represented by Veguer de Franca Jean Pierre COURTOIS; Spanish Episcopal Co-Prince Mgr. Joan MARTI y Alanis (since 31 January 1971), represented by Veguer Episcopal Francesc BADIA Batalla; Head of Government--Oscar RIBAS Reig (since NA January 1990) _#_Political parties and leaders: political parties not yet legally recognized; traditionally no political parties but partisans for particular independent candidates for the General Council on the basis of competence, personality, and orientation toward Spain or France; various small pressure groups developed in 1972; first formal political party, Andorran Democratic Association, was formed in 1976 and reorganized in 1979 as Andorran Democratic Party _#_Suffrage: universal at age 18 _#_Elections: General Council of the Valleys--last held 11 December 1989 (next to be held December 1993); results--percent of vote NA; seats--(28 total) number of seats by party NA _#_Communists: negligible _#_Member of: CSCE, INTERPOL, IOC _#_Diplomatic representation: Andorra has no mission in the US; US--includes Andorra within the Barcelona (Spain) Consular District and the US Consul General visits Andorra periodically; Consul General Ruth A. DAVIS; Consulate General at Via Layetana 33, Barcelona 3, Spain (mailing address APO NY 09286); telephone [34] (3) 319-9550 _#_Flag: three equal vertical bands of blue (hoist side), yellow, and red with the national coat of arms centered in the yellow band; the coat of arms features a quartered shield; similar to the flags of Chad and Romania which do not have a national coat of arms in the center lar to the _*_Economy _#_Overview: The mainstay of Andorra's economy is tourism. An estimated 12 million tourists visit annually, attracted by Andorra's duty-free status and by its summer and winter resorts. Agricultural production is limited by a scarcity of arable land, and most food has to be imported. The principal livestock activity is sheep raising. Manufacturing consists mainly of cigarettes, cigars, and furniture. The rapid pace of European economic integration is a potential threat to Andorra's advantages from its duty-free status. _#_GDP: $727 million, per capita $14,000; real growth rate NA% (1990 est.) _#_Inflation rate (consumer prices): NA% _#_Unemployment rate: none _#_Budget: revenues $NA; expenditures $NA, including capital expenditures of $NA _#_Exports: $0.017 million (f.o.b., 1986); commodities--electricity; partners--France, Spain _#_Imports: $531 million (f.o.b., 1986); commodities--consumer goods, food; partners--France, Spain _#_External debt: $NA _#_Industrial production: growth rate NA% _#_Electricity: 35,000 kW capacity; 140 million kWh produced, 2,800 kWh per capita (1989) _#_Industries: tourism (particularly skiing), sheep, timber, tobacco, smuggling, banking _#_Agriculture: sheep raising; small quantities of tobacco, rye, wheat, barley, oats, and some vegetables _#_Economic aid: none _#_Currency: French franc (plural--francs) and Spanish peseta (plural--pesetas); 1 French franc (F) = 100 centimes and 1 Spanish peseta (Pta) = 100 centimos _#_Exchange rates: French francs (F) per US$1--5.1307 (January 1991), 5.4453 (1990), 6.3801 (1989), 5.9569 (1988), 6.0107 (1987), 6.9261 (1986), 8.9852 (1985); Spanish pesetas (Ptas) per US$1--95.20 (January 1991), 101.93 (1990), 118.38 (1989), 116.49 (1988), 123.48 (1987), 140.05 (1986), 170.04 (1985) _#_Fiscal year: calendar year _*_Communications _#_Highways: 96 km _#_Telecommunications: international digital microwave network; international landline circuits to France and Spain; stations--1 AM, no FM, no TV; 17,700 telephones _*_Defense Forces _#_Note: defense is the responsibility of France and Spain _%_ _@_Angola _*_Geography _#_Total area: 1,246,700 km2; land area: 1,246,700 km2 _#_Comparative area: slightly less than twice the size of Texas _#_Land boundaries: 5,198 km total; Congo 201 km, Namibia 1,376 km, Zaire 2,511 km, Zambia 1,110 km _#_Coastline: 1,600 km _#_Maritime claims: Exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm; Territorial sea: 20 nm _#_Disputes: civil war since independence on 11 November 1975; on 31 May 1991 Angolan President Jose Eduardo dos SANTOS and Jonas SAVIMBI, leader of the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA), signed a peace treaty that calls for multiparty elections between September and November 1992, an internationally monitored cease-fire, and termination of outside military assistance _#_Climate: semiarid in south and along coast to Luanda; north has cool, dry season (May to October) and hot, rainy season (November to April) _#_Terrain: narrow coastal plain rises abruptly to vast interior plateau _#_Natural resources: petroleum, diamonds, iron ore, phosphates, copper, feldspar, gold, bauxite, uranium _#_Land use: arable land 2%; permanent crops NEGL%; meadows and pastures 23%; forest and woodland 43%; other 32% _#_Environment: locally heavy rainfall causes periodic flooding on plateau; desertification _#_Note: Cabinda is separated from rest of country by Zaire _*_People _#_Population: 8,668,281 (July 1991), growth rate 2.7% (1991) _#_Birth rate: 47 births/1,000 population (1991) _#_Death rate: 20 deaths/1,000 population (1991) _#_Net migration rate: NEGL migrants/1,000 population (1991) _#_Infant mortality rate: 151 deaths/1,000 live births (1991) _#_Life expectancy at birth: 42 years male, 46 years female (1991) _#_Total fertility rate: 6.7 children born/woman (1991) _#_Nationality: noun--Angolan(s); adjective--Angolan _#_Ethnic divisions: Ovimbundu 37%, Kimbundu 25%, Bakongo 13%, Mestico 2%, European 1%, other 22% _#_Religion: indigenous beliefs 47%, Roman Catholic 38%, Protestant 15% (est.) _#_Language: Portuguese (official); various Bantu dialects _#_Literacy: 42% (male 56%, female 28%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) _#_Labor force: 2,783,000 economically active; agriculture 85%, industry 15% (1985 est.) _#_Organized labor: about 450,695 (1980) _*_Government _#_Long-form name: People's Republic of Angola _#_Type: in transition from a one-party Marxist state to a multiparty democracy with a strong presidential system _#_Capital: Luanda _#_Administrative divisions: 18 provinces (provincias, singular--provincia); Bengo, Benguela, Bie, Cabinda, Cuando Cubango, Cuanza Norte, Cuanza Sul, Cunene, Huambo, Huila, Luanda, Lunda Norte, Lunda Sul, Malanje, Moxico, Namibe, Uige, Zaire _#_Independence: 11 November 1975 (from Portugal) _#_Constitution: 11 November 1975; revised 7 January 1978, 11 August 1980, and 6 March 1991 _#_Legal system: based on Portuguese civil law system and customary law; recently modified to accommodate multipartyism and increased use of free markets _#_National holiday: Independence Day, 11 November (1975) _#_Executive branch: president, chairman of the Council of Ministers, Council of Ministers (cabinet) _#_Legislative branch: unicameral People's Assembly (Assembleia do Povo) _#_Judicial branch: Supreme Court (Tribunal da Relacao) _#_Leaders: Chief of State and Head of Government--President Jose Eduardo dos SANTOS (since 21 September 1979) _#_Political parties and leaders: only one party exists--the Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola-Labor Party (MPLA), Jose Eduardo dos SANTOS--although others are expected to form as legalization of a multiparty system proceeds; National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA) lost to the MPLA and Cuban military support forces in the immediate postindependence struggle, but is to receive recognition as a legal party _#_Suffrage: universal at age 18 _#_Elections: first nationwide, multiparty elections to be held between September and November 1992 _#_Member of: ACP, AfDB, CEEAC (observer), ECA, FAO, FLS, G-77, ICAO, IFAD, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU, SADCC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO _#_Diplomatic representation: none _#_Flag: two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and black with a centered yellow emblem consisting of a five-pointed star within half a cogwheel crossed by a machete (in the style of a hammer and sickle) _*_Economy _#_Overview: Subsistence agriculture provides the main livelihood for 80 to 90% of the population, but accounts for less than 15% of GDP. Oil production is the most lucrative sector of the economy, contributing about 50% to GDP. In recent years, however, the impact of fighting an internal war has severely affected the nonoil economy, and food has to be imported. For the long run, Angola has the advantage of rich natural resources, notably gold, diamonds, and arable land. To realize its economic potential Angola not only must secure domestic peace but also must reform government policies that have led to distortions and imbalances throughout the economy. _#_GDP: $7.9 billion, per capita $925; real growth rate 2.0% (1990 est.) _#_Inflation rate (consumer prices): 23.2% (1988) _#_Unemployment rate: NA% _#_Budget: revenues $2.6 billion; expenditures $4.4 billion, including capital expenditures of $963 million (1990 est.) _#_Exports: $3.8 billion (f.o.b., 1990 est.); commodities--oil,liquified petroleum gas, diamonds, coffee, sisal, fish and fish products, timber, cotton; partners--US, USSR, Cuba, Portugal, Brazil, France _#_Imports: $1.5 billion (f.o.b., 1990 est.); commodities--capital equipment (machinery and electrical equipment), food, vehicles and spare parts, textiles and clothing, medicines; substantial military deliveries; partners--US, USSR, Cuba, Portugal, Brazil _#_External debt: $7.0 billion (1990) _#_Industrial production: growth rate NA%; accounts for about 60% of GDP, including petroleum output _#_Electricity: 506,000 kW capacity; 770 million kWh produced, 90 kWh per capita (1989) _#_Industries: petroleum, diamonds, mining, fish processing, food processing, brewing, tobacco, sugar, textiles, cement, basic metal products _#_Agriculture: cash crops--coffee, sisal, corn, cotton, sugar, manioc, tobacco; food crops--cassava, corn, vegetables, plantains, bananas; livestock production accounts for 20%, fishing 4%, forestry 2% of total agricultural output; disruptions caused by civil war and marketing deficiencies require food imports _#_Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $265 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-88), $1,005 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $1.3 billion _#_Currency: kwanza (plural--kwanza); 1 kwanza (Kz) = 100 lwei _#_Exchange rates: kwanza (Kz) per US$1--29.62 (fixed rate since 1976) _#_Fiscal year: calendar year _*_Communications _#_Railroads: 3,189 km total; 2,879 km 1.067-meter gauge, 310 km 0.600-meter gauge; limited trackage in use because of insurgent attacks; sections of the Benguela Railroad closed because of insurgency _#_Highways: 73,828 km total; 8,577 km bituminous-surface treatment, 29,350 km crushed stone, gravel, or improved earth, remainder unimproved earth _#_Inland waterways: 1,295 km navigable _#_Pipelines: crude oil, 179 km _#_Ports: Luanda, Lobito, Namibe, Cabinda _#_Merchant marine: 12 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 66,348 GRT/102,825 DWT; includes 11 cargo, 1 petroleum, oils, and lubricants (POL) tanker _#_Civil air: 27 major transport aircraft _#_Airports: 315 total, 183 usable; 28 with permanent-surface runways; 1 with runways over 3,659 m; 13 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 58 with runways 1,220-2,439 m _#_Telecommunications: fair system of wire, radio relay, and troposcatter routes; high frequency used extensively for military/Cuban links; 40,300 telephones; stations--17 AM, 13 FM, 2 TV; 2 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth stations _*_Defense Forces _#_Branches: Army, Navy, Air Force/Air Defense, People's Defense Organization and Territorial Troops, Frontier Guard _#_Manpower availability: males 15-49, 2,080,837; 1,047,500 fit for military service; 92,430 reach military age (18) annually _#_Defense expenditures: $NA, NA% of GDP _%_ _@_Anguilla (dependent territory of the UK) _*_Geography _#_Total area: 91 km2; land area: 91 km2 _#_Comparative area: about half the size of Washington, DC _#_Land boundaries: none _#_Coastline: 61 km _#_Maritime claims: Exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm; Territorial sea: 3 nm _#_Climate: tropical; moderated by northeast trade winds _#_Terrain: flat and low-lying island of coral and limestone _#_Natural resources: negligible; salt, fish, lobster _#_Land use: arable land NA%; permanent crops NA%; meadows and pastures NA%; forest and woodland NA%; other NA%; mostly rock with sparse scrub oak, few trees, some commercial salt ponds _#_Environment: frequent hurricanes, other tropical storms (July to October) _#_Note: located 270 km east of Puerto Rico _*_People _#_Population: 6,922 (July 1991), growth rate 0.6% (1991) _#_Birth rate: 24 births/1,000 population (1991) _#_Death rate: 9 deaths/1,000 population (1991) _#_Net migration rate: - 10 migrants/1,000 population (1991) _#_Infant mortality rate: 18 deaths/1,000 live births (1991) _#_Life expectancy at birth: 71 years male, 77 years female (1991) _#_Total fertility rate: 3.1 children born/woman (1991) _#_Nationality: noun--Anguillan(s); adjective--Anguillan _#_Ethnic divisions: mainly of black African descent _#_Religion: Anglican 40%, Methodist 33%, Seventh-Day Adventist 7%, Baptist 5%, Roman Catholic 3%, other 12% _#_Language: English (official) _#_Literacy: 95% (male 95%, female 95%) age 12 and over can read and write (1984) _#_Labor force: 2,780 (1984) _#_Organized labor: NA _*_Government _#_Long-form name: none _#_Type: dependent territory of the UK _#_Capital: The Valley _#_Administrative divisions: none (dependent territory of the UK) _#_Independence: none (dependent territory of the UK) _#_Constitution: 1 April 1982 _#_Legal system: based on English common law _#_National holiday: Anguilla Day, 30 May _#_Executive branch: British monarch, governor, chief minister, Executive Council (cabinet) _#_Legislative branch: unicameral House of Assembly _#_Judicial branch: High Court _#_Leaders: Chief of State--Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Governor Brian G. J. CANTY (since NA 1989); Head of Government--Chief Minister Emile GUMBS (since NA March 1984, served previously from February 1977 to May 1980) _#_Political parties and leaders: Anguilla National Alliance (ANA), Emile GUMBS; Anguilla United Party (AUP), Ronald WEBSTER; Anguilla Democratic Party (ADP), Victor BANKS _#_Suffrage: universal at age 18 _#_Elections: House of Assembly--last held 27 February 1989 (next to be held February 1994); results--percent of vote by party NA; seats--(11 total, 7 elected) ANA 3, AUP 2, ADP 1, independent 1 _#_Communists: none _#_Member of: CARICOM (observer), CDB _#_Diplomatic representation: none (dependent territory of the UK) _#_Flag: two horizontal bands of white (top, almost triple width) and light blue with three orange dolphins in an interlocking circular design centered in the white band; a new flag may have been in use since 30 May 1990 _*_Economy _#_Overview: Anguilla has few natural resources, and the economy depends heavily on lobster fishing, offshore banking, tourism, and remittances from emigrants. In recent years the economy has benefited from a boom in tourism. Development is planned to improve the infrastructure, particularly transport and tourist facilities, and also light industry. Improvement in the economy has reduced unemployment from 40% in 1984 to about 5% in 1988. _#_GDP: $23 million, per capita $3,300; real growth rate 8.2% (1988 est.) _#_Inflation rate (consumer prices): 4.5% (1988 est.) _#_Unemployment rate: 5.0% (1988 est.) _#_Budget: revenues $10.4 million; expenditures $11.0 million, including capital expenditures of $1.1 million (1989 est.) _#_Exports: $NA; commodities--lobster and salt; partners--NA _#_Imports: $NA; commodities--NA; partners --NA _#_External debt: $NA _#_Industrial production: growth rate NA% _#_Electricity: 2,000 kW capacity; 6 million kWh produced, 870 kWh per capita (1990) _#_Industries: tourism, boat building, salt, fishing (including lobster) _#_Agriculture: pigeon peas, corn, sweet potatoes, sheep, goats, pigs, cattle, poultry _#_Economic aid: Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $38 million _#_Currency: East Caribbean dollar (plural--dollars); 1 EC dollar (EC$) = 100 cents _#_Exchange rates: East Caribbean dollars (EC$) per US$1--2.70 (fixed rate since 1976) _#_Fiscal year: NA _*_Communications _#_Highways: 60 km surfaced _#_Ports: Road Bay, Blowing Point _#_Civil air: no major transport aircraft _#_Airports: 3 total, 3 usable; 1 with permanent-surface runways of 1,100 m (Wallblake Airport) _#_Telecommunications: modern internal telephone system; 890 telephones; stations--3 AM, 1 FM, no TV; radio relay link to island of Saint Martin _*_Defense Forces _#_Note: defense is the responsibility of the UK _%_ _@_Antarctica _*_Geography _#_Total area: about 14,000,000 km2; land area: about 14,000,000 km2 _#_Comparative area: slightly less than 1.5 times the size of the US; second-smallest continent (after Australia) _#_Land boundaries: see entry on _#_Disputes _#_Coastline: 17,968 km _#_Maritime claims: see entry on _#_Disputes _#_Disputes: Antarctic Treaty defers claims (see Antarctic Treaty Summary below); sections (some overlapping) claimed by Argentina, Australia, Chile, France (Adelie Land), New Zealand (Ross Dependency), Norway (Queen Maud Land), and UK; Brazil has noted possible Latin claims; the US and USSR do not recognize the territorial claims of other nations and have made no claims themselves (but reserve the right to do so); no formal claims have been made in the sector between 90o west and 150o west _#_Climate: severe low temperatures vary with latitude, elevation, and distance from the ocean; East Antarctica colder than West Antarctica because of its higher elevation; Antarctic Peninsula has most moderate climate; warmest temperatures occur in January along the coast and average slightly below freezing _#_Terrain: about 98% thick continental ice sheet, with average elevations between 2,000 and 4,000 meters; mountain ranges up to 4,897 meters high; ice-free coastal areas include parts of southern Victoria Land, Wilkes Land, the Antarctic Peninsula area, and Ross Island on McMurdo Sound; glaciers form ice shelves along about half of coastline and floating ice shelves constitute 11% of the area of the continent _#_Natural resources: none presently exploited; coal and iron ore; chromium, copper, gold, nickel, platinum, and hydrocarbons have been found in small uncommercial quantities _#_Land use: arable land 0%; permanent crops 0%; pastures 0%; meadows and forest and woodland 0%; other 100% (ice 98%, barren rock 2%) _#_Environment: mostly uninhabitable; katabatic (gravity) winds blow coastward from the high interior; frequent blizzards form near the foot of the plateau; cyclonic storms form over the ocean and move clockwise around the coast, as does a circumpolar ocean current; during summer more solar radiation reaches the surface at the South Pole than is received at the Equator in an equivalent period; in April 1991 it was reported that the ozone shield, which protects the Earth's surface from harmful ultraviolet radiation, had dwindled to its lowest level ever over Antarctica; subject to active volcanism (Deception Island and isolated areas of West Antarctica); other seismic activity rare and weak _#_Note: the coldest, windiest, highest, and driest continent _*_People _#_Population: no indigenous inhabitants; staffing of research stations varies seasonally; Summer (January) population--4,120; Argentina 207, Australia 268, Belgium 13, Brazil 80, Chile 256, China NA, Ecuador NA, Finland 16, France 78, Germany 32, Greenpeace 12, India 60, Italy 210, Japan 59, South Korea 14, Netherlands 10, NZ 264, Norway 23, Peru 39, Poland NA, South Africa 79, Spain 43, Sweden 10, UK 116, Uruguay NA, US 1,666, USSR 565 (1989-90); Winter (July) population--1,066 total; Argentina 150, Australia 71, Brazil 12, Chile 73, China NA, France 33, Germany 19, Greenpeace 5, India 21, Japan 38, South Korea 14, NZ 11, Poland NA, South Africa 12, UK 69, Uruguay NA, US 225, USSR 313 (1989-90); Year-round stations--42 total; Argentina 6, Australia 3, Brazil 1, Chile 3, China 2, France 1, Germany 2, Greenpeace 1, India 2, Japan 2, South Korea 1, NZ 1, Poland 1, South Africa 1, UK 5, Uruguay 1, US 3, USSR 6 (1990-91); Summer only stations--34 total; Argentina 1, Australia 3, Chile 5, Finland 1, Germany 4, India 1, Italy 1, Japan 1, NZ 2, Norway 1, Peru 1, South Africa 1, Spain 1, Sweden 2, UK 1, US 3, USSR 5 (1989-90) _*_Government _#_Long-form name: none _#_Type: The Antarctic Treaty, signed on 1 December 1959 and entered into force on 23 June 1961, established for at least 30 years a legal framework for peaceful use, scientific research, and deferral of legal questions regarding territorial claims. Administration is carried out through consultative member meetings--the last meeting was held in Madrid (Spain) in April 1991. Consultative (voting) members include seven nations that claim portions of Antarctica as national territory (some claims overlap) and nonclaimant nations. The US and other nations have made no claims, but have reserved the right to claim territory. The US does not recognize the claims of others. The year in parentheses indicates when an acceding nation was voted to full consultative (voting) status, while no date indicates an original 1959 treaty signatory. Claimant nations are--Argentina, Australia, Chile, France, New Zealand, Norway, and the UK. Nonclaimant consultative nations are--Belgium, Brazil (1983), China (1985), Ecuador (1990), Finland (1989), Germany (1981), India (1983), Italy (1987), Japan, South Korea (1989), Netherlands (1990), Peru (1989), Poland (1977), South Africa, Spain (1988), Sweden (1988), Uruguay (1985), the US, and the USSR. Acceding (nonvoting) members, with year of accession in parenthesis, are--Austria (1987), Bulgaria (1978), Canada (1988), Colombia (1988), Cuba (1984), Czechoslovakia (1962), Denmark (1965), Greece (1987), Hungary (1984), North Korea (1987), Papua New Guinea (1981), Romania (1971), and Switzerland (1990). Antarctic Treaty Summary: Article 1--area to be used for peaceful purposes only; military activity, such as weapons testing, is prohibited, but military personnel and equipment may be used for peaceful scientific and logistics purposes; Article 2--freedom of scientific investigation and cooperation shall continue; Article 3--free exchange of information and personnel in cooperation with the UN and other international agencies; Article 4--does not recognize, dispute, or establish territorial claims and no new claims shall be asserted while the treaty is in force; Article 5--prohibits nuclear explosions or disposal of radioactive wastes; Article 6--includes under the treaty all land and ice shelves south of 60o 00%19 south, but that the water areas be covered by international law; Article 7--treaty-state observers have free access, including aerial observation, to any area and may inspect all stations, installations, and equipment; advance notice of all activities and the introduction of military personnel must be given; Article 8--allows for jurisdiction over observers and scientists by their own states; Article 9--frequent consultative meetings take place among member nations; Article 10--treaty states will discourage activities by any country in Antarctica that are contrary to the treaty; Article 11--disputes to be settled peacefully by the parties concerned or, ultimately, by the ICJ; Articles 12, 13, 14--deal with upholding, interpreting, and amending the treaty among involved nations. Other agreements: more than 150 recommendations adopted at treaty consultative meetings and ratified by governments include--Agreed Measures for the Conservation of Antarctic Fauna and Flora (1964); Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Seals (1972); Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (1980); a mineral resources agreement was signed in 1988 but was subsequently rejected by some signatories and is likely to be replaced in 1991 by a comprehensive environmental protection agreement that defers minerals development for a long period. _*_Economy _#_Overview: No economic activity at present except for fishing off the coast and small-scale tourism, both based abroad. Exploitation of mineral resources is unlikely because of technical difficulties, high costs, and objections by environmentalists. _*_Communications _#_Airports: 37 total; 27 usable; none with permanent hard-surface runways; 2 with runways over 3,659 m; 5 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 4 with runways 1,220-2,439 m _#_Ports: none; offshore anchorage only _*_Defense Forces _#_Note: none; Article 7 of the Antarctic Treaty states that advance notice of all activities and the introduction of military personnel must be given _%_ _@_Antigua and Barbuda _*_Geography _#_Total area: 440 km2; land area: 440 km2; includes Redonda _#_Comparative area: slightly less than 2.5 times the size of Washington, DC _#_Land boundaries: none _#_Coastline: 153 km _#_Maritime claims: Contiguous zone: 24 nm; Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm; Territorial sea: 12 nm _#_Climate: tropical marine; little seasonal temperature variation _#_Terrain: mostly low-lying limestone and coral islands with some higher volcanic areas _#_Natural resources: negligible; pleasant climate fosters tourism _#_Land use: arable land 18%; permanent crops 0%; meadows and pastures 7%; forest and woodland 16%; other 59% _#_Environment: subject to hurricanes and tropical storms (July to October); insufficient freshwater resources; deeply indented coastline provides many natural harbors _#_Note: 420 km east-southeast of Puerto Rico _*_People _#_Population: 63,917 (July 1991), growth rate 0.4% (1991) _#_Birth rate: 18 births/1,000 population (1991) _#_Death rate: 6 deaths/1,000 population (1991) _#_Net migration rate: - 9 migrants/1,000 population (1991) _#_Infant mortality rate: 22 deaths/1,000 live births (1991) _#_Life expectancy at birth: 70 years male, 74 years female (1991) _#_Total fertility rate: 1.7 children born/woman (1991) _#_Nationality: noun--Antiguan(s); adjective--Antiguan _#_Ethnic divisions: almost entirely of black African origin; some of British, Portuguese, Lebanese, and Syrian origin _#_Religion: Anglican (predominant), other Protestant sects, some Roman Catholic _#_Language: English (official), local dialects _#_Literacy: 89% (male 90%, female 88%) age 15 and over having completed 5 or more years of schooling (1960) _#_Labor force: 30,000; commerce and services 82%, agriculture 11%, industry 7% (1983) _#_Organized labor: Antigua and Barbuda Public Service Association (ABPSA), membership 500; Antigua Trades and Labor Union (ATLU), 10,000 members; Antigua Workers Union (AWU), 10,000 members (1986 est.) _*_Government _#_Long-form name: none _#_Type: parliamentary democracy _#_Capital: Saint John's _#_Administrative divisions: 6 parishes and 2 dependencies*; Barbuda*, Redonda*, Saint George, Saint John, Saint Mary, Saint Paul, Saint Peter, Saint Philip _#_Independence: 1 November 1981 (from UK) _#_Constitution: 1 November 1981 _#_Legal system: based on English common law _#_National holiday: Independence Day, 1 November (1981) _#_Executive branch: British monarch, governor general, prime minister, deputy prime minister, Cabinet _#_Legislative branch: bicameral Parliament consists of an upper house or Senate and a lower house or House of Representatives _#_Judicial branch: Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court _#_Leaders: Chief of State--Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Governor General Sir Wilfred Ebenezer JACOBS (since 1 November 1981, previously Governor since 1976); Head of Government--Prime Minister Vere Cornwall BIRD, Sr. (since NA 1976) _#_Political parties and leaders: Antigua Labor Party (ALP), Vere C. BIRD, Sr., Lester BIRD; United National Democratic Party (UNDP), Dr. Ivor HEATH _#_Suffrage: universal at age 18 _#_Elections: House of Representatives--last held 9 March 1989 (next to be held 1994); results--percentage of vote by party NA; seats--(17 total) ALP 15, UNDP 1, independent 1 _#_Communists: negligible _#_Other political or pressure groups: Antigua Caribbean Liberation Movement (ACLM), a small leftist nationalist group led by Leonard (Tim) HECTOR; Antigua Trades and Labor Union (ATLU), headed by Noel THOMAS _#_Member of: ACP, C, CARICOM, CDB, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, GATT, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, NAM (observer), OAS, OECS, OPANAL, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, WCL, WHO, WMO _#_Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Edmund Hawkins LAKE; Chancery at Suite 2H, 3400 International Drive NW, Washington DC 20008; telephone (202) 362-5211 or 5166, 5122, 5225; there is an Antiguan Consulate in Miami; US--the US Ambassador to Barbados is accredited to Antigua and Barbuda, and in his absence, the Embassy is headed by Charge d'Affaires Bryant SALTER; Embassy at Queen Elizabeth Highway, Saint John's (mailing address is FPO Miami 34054); telephone (809) 462-3505 or 3506 _#_Flag: red with an inverted isosceles triangle based on the top edge of the flag; the triangle contains three horizontal bands of black (top), light blue, and white with a yellow rising sun in the black band _*_Economy _#_Overview: The economy is primarily service oriented, with tourism the most important determinant of economic performance. During the period 1983-89, real GDP expanded at an annual average rate of about 7%. Tourism's contribution to GDP, as measured by value added tax in hotels and restaurants, rose from about 14% in 1983 to 16% in 1989, and stimulated growth in other sectors--particularly in construction, communications, and public utilities. Antigua and Barbuda is one of the few areas in the Caribbean experiencing a labor shortage in some sectors of the economy. _#_GDP: $350 million, per capita $5,470 (1989); real growth rate 3.0% (1991 est.) _#_Inflation rate (consumer prices): 7% (1990 est.) _#_Unemployment rate: 5.0% (1988 est.) _#_Budget: revenues $92.8 million; expenditures $101 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (1990 est.) _#_Exports: $33.2 million (f.o.b., 1990 est.); commodities--petroleum products 48%, manufactures 23%, food and live animals 4%, machinery and transport equipment 17%; partners--OECS 26%, Barbados 15%, Guyana 4%, Trinidad and Tobago 2%, US 0.3% _#_Imports: $358.2 million (c.i.f., 1990 est.); commodities--food and live animals, machinery and transport equipment, manufactures, chemicals, oil; partners--US 27%, UK 16%, Canada 4%, OECS 3%, other 50% _#_External debt: $250 million (1990 est.) _#_Industrial production: growth rate 3% (1989 est.); accounts for 9% of GDP _#_Electricity: 52,000 kW capacity; 95 million kWh produced, 1,490 kWh per capita (1990) _#_Industries: tourism, construction, light manufacturing (clothing, alcohol, household appliances) _#_Agriculture: accounts for 4% of GDP; expanding output of cotton, fruits, vegetables, and livestock sector; other crops--bananas, coconuts, cucumbers, mangoes, sugarcane; not self-sufficient in food _#_Economic aid: US commitments, $10 million (1985-88); Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-88), $45 million _#_Currency: East Caribbean dollar (plural--dollars); 1 EC dollar (EC$) = 100 cents _#_Exchange rates: East Caribbean dollars (EC$) per US$1--2.70 (fixed rate since 1976) _#_Fiscal year: 1 April-31 March _*_Communications _#_Railroads: 64 km 0.760-meter narrow gauge and 13 km 0.610-meter gauge used almost exclusively for handling sugarcane _#_Highways: 240 km _#_Ports: Saint John's _#_Merchant marine: 86 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 319,477 GRT/497,194 DWT; includes 61 cargo, 5 refrigerated cargo, 6 container, 4 roll-on/roll-off cargo, 1 multifunction large load carrier, 3 petroleum, oils, and lubricants (POL) tanker, 6 chemical tanker; note--a flag of convenience registry _#_Civil air: 10 major transport aircraft _#_Airports: 3 total, 3 usable; 2 with permanent-surface runways; 1 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 2 with runways less than 1,220 m _#_Telecommunications: good automatic telephone system; 6,700 telephones; tropospheric scatter links with Saba and Guadeloupe; stations--4 AM, 2 FM, 2 TV, 2 shortwave; 1 coaxial submarine cable; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station _*_Defense Forces _#_Branches: Royal Antigua and Barbuda Defense Force, Royal Antigua and Barbuda Police Force (includes the Coast Guard) _#_Manpower availability: NA _#_Defense expenditures: $1.4 million, less than 1% of GDP (FY91) _%_ _@_Arctic Ocean _*_Geography _#_Total area: 14,056,000 km2; includes Baffin Bay, Barents Sea, Beaufort Sea, Chukchi Sea, East Siberian Sea, Greenland Sea, Hudson Bay, Hudson Strait, Kara Sea, Laptev Sea, and other tributary water bodies _#_Comparative area: slightly more than 1.5 times the size of the US; smallest of the world's four oceans (after Pacific Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, and Indian Ocean) _#_Coastline: 45,389 km _#_Climate: persistent cold and relatively narrow annual temperature ranges; winters characterized by continuous darkness, cold and stable weather conditions, and clear skies; summers characterized by continuous daylight, damp and foggy weather, and weak cyclones with rain or snow _#_Terrain: central surface covered by a perennial drifting polar icepack which averages about 3 meters in thickness, although pressure ridges may be three times that size; clockwise drift pattern in the Beaufort Gyral Stream, but nearly straight line movement from the New Siberian Islands (USSR) to Denmark Strait (between Greenland and Iceland); the ice pack is surrounded by open seas during the summer, but more than doubles in size during the winter and extends to the encircling land masses; the ocean floor is about 50% continental shelf (highest percentage of any ocean) with the remainder a central basin interrupted by three submarine ridges (Alpha Cordillera, Nansen Cordillera, and Lomonsov Ridge); maximum depth is 4,665 meters in the Fram Basin _#_Natural resources: sand and gravel aggregates, placer deposits, polymetallic nodules, oil and gas fields, fish, marine mammals (seals, whales) _#_Environment: endangered marine species include walruses and whales; ice islands occasionally break away from northern Ellesmere Island; icebergs calved from western Greenland and extreme northeastern Canada; maximum snow cover in March or April about 20 to 50 centimeters over the frozen ocean and lasts about 10 months; permafrost in islands; virtually icelocked from October to June; fragile ecosystem slow to change and slow to recover from disruptions or damage _#_Note: major chokepoint is the southern Chukchi Sea (northern access to the Pacific Ocean via the Bering Strait); ships subject to superstructure icing from October to May; strategic location between North America and the USSR; shortest marine link between the extremes of eastern and western USSR; floating research stations operated by the US and USSR _*_Economy _#_Overview: Economic activity is limited to the exploitation of natural resources, including crude oil, natural gas, fishing, and sealing. _*_Communications _#_Ports: Churchill (Canada), Murmansk (USSR), Prudhoe Bay (US) _#_Telecommunications: no submarine cables _#_Note: sparse network of air, ocean, river, and land routes; the Northwest Passage (North America) and Northern Sea Route (Asia) are important waterways _%_ _@_Argentina _*_Geography _#_Total area: 2,766,890 km2; land area: 2,736,690 km2 _#_Comparative area: slightly more than four times the size of Texas _#_Land boundaries: 9,665 km total; Bolivia 832 km, Brazil 1,224 km, Chile 5,150 km, Paraguay 1,880 km, Uruguay 579 km _#_Coastline: 4,989 km _#_Maritime claims: Continental shelf: 200 m (depth) or to depth of exploitation; Territorial sea: 200 nm (overflight and navigation permitted beyond 12 nm) _#_Disputes: short section of the boundary with Uruguay is in dispute; short section of the boundary with Chile is indefinite; claims British-administered Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas); claims British-administered South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands; territorial claim in Antarctica _#_Climate: mostly temperate; arid in southeast; subantarctic in southwest _#_Terrain: rich plains of the Pampas in northern half, flat to rolling plateau of Patagonia in south, rugged Andes along western border _#_Natural resources: fertile plains of the pampas, lead, zinc, tin, copper, iron ore, manganese, crude oil, uranium _#_Land use: arable land 9%; permanent crops 4%; meadows and pastures 52%; forest and woodland 22%; other 13%; includes irrigated 1% _#_Environment: Tucuman and Mendoza areas in Andes subject to earthquakes; pamperos are violent windstorms that can strike Pampas and northeast; irrigated soil degradation; desertification; air and water pollution in Buenos Aires _#_Note: second-largest country in South America (after Brazil); strategic location relative to sea lanes between South Atlantic and South Pacific Oceans (Strait of Magellan, Beagle Channel, Drake Passage) _*_People _#_Population: 32,663,983 (July 1991), growth rate 1.1% (1991) _#_Birth rate: 20 births/1,000 population (1991) _#_Death rate: 9 deaths/1,000 population (1991) _#_Net migration rate: NEGL migrants/1,000 population (1991) _#_Infant mortality rate: 31 deaths/1,000 live births (1991) _#_Life expectancy at birth: 68 years male, 74 years female (1991) _#_Total fertility rate: 2.7 children born/woman (1991) _#_Nationality: noun--Argentine(s); adjective--Argentine _#_Ethnic divisions: white 85%; mestizo, Indian, or other nonwhite groups 15% _#_Religion: nominally Roman Catholic 90% (less than 20% practicing), Protestant 2%, Jewish 2%, other 6% _#_Language: Spanish (official), English, Italian, German, French _#_Literacy: 95% (male 96%, female 95%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) _#_Labor force: 10,900,000; agriculture 12%, industry 31%, services 57% (1985 est.) _#_Organized labor: 3,000,000; 28% of labor force _*_Government _#_Long-form name: Argentine Republic _#_Type: republic _#_Capital: Buenos Aires (tentative plans to move to Viedma by 1990 indefinitely postponed) _#_Administrative divisions: 22 provinces (provincias, singular--provincia), 1 national territory* (territorio nacional), and 1 district** (distrito); Buenos Aires, Catamarca, Chaco, Chubut, Cordoba, Corrientes, Distrito Federal**, Entre Rios, Formosa, Jujuy, La Pampa, La Rioja, Mendoza, Misiones, Neuquen, Rio Negro, Salta, San Juan, San Luis, Santa Cruz, Santa Fe, Santiago del Estero, Tierra del Fuego, Antartida e Islas del Atlantico Sur*, Tucuman; note--the national territory is in the process of becoming a province; the US does not recognize claims to Antarctica _#_Independence: 9 July 1816 (from Spain) _#_Constitution: 1 May 1853 _#_Legal system: mixture of US and West European legal systems; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction _#_National holiday: Revolution Day, 25 May (1810) _#_Executive branch: president, vice president, Cabinet _#_Legislative branch: bicameral National Congress (Congreso Nacional) consists of an upper chamber or Senate (Senado) and a lower chamber or Chamber of Deputies (Camara de Diputados) _#_Judicial branch: Supreme Court (Corte Suprema) _#_Leaders: Chief of State and Head of Government--President Carlos Saul MENEM (since 8 July 1989); Vice President Eduardo DUHALDE (since 8 July 1989) _#_Political parties and leaders: Justicialist Party (JP), Carlos Saul MENEM, Peronist umbrella political organization; Radical Civic Union (UCR), Raul ALFONSIN, moderately left of center; Union of the Democratic Center (UCD), Alvaro ALSOGARAY, conservative party; Intransigent Party (PI), Dr. Oscar ALENDE, leftist party; several provincial parties _#_Suffrage: universal at age 18 _#_Elections: President--last held 14 May 1989 (next to be held May 1995); results--Carlos Saul MENEM was elected; Chamber of Deputies--last held 14 May 1989 (next to be held October 1991); results--JP 47%, UCR 30%, UCD 7%, other 16%; seats--(254 total); JP 122, UCR 93, UCD 11, other 28 _#_Communists: some 70,000 members in various party organizations, including a small nucleus of activists _#_Other political or pressure groups: Peronist-dominated labor movement, General Confederation of Labor (Peronist-leaning umbrella labor organization), Argentine Industrial Union (manufacturers' association), Argentine Rural Society (large landowners' association), business organizations, students, the Roman Catholic Church, the Armed Forces _#_Member of: AfDB, AG (observer), CCC, ECLAC, FAO, G-6, G-11, G-19, G-24, G-77, GATT, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, LAES, LAIA, LORCS, NAM, OAS, PCA, RG, UN, UNAVEM, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIIMOG, UNTSO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO _#_Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Ortiz de ROZAS; Chancery at 1600 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington DC 20009; telephone (202) 939-6400 through 6403; there are Argentine Consulates General in Houston, Miami, New Orleans, New York, San Francisco, and San Juan (Puerto Rico), and Consulates in Baltimore, Chicago, and Los Angeles; US--Ambassador Terence A. TODMAN; Embassy at 4300 Colombia, 1425 Buenos Aires (mailing address is APO Miami 34034); telephone [54] (1) 774-7611 or 8811, 9911 _#_Flag: three equal horizontal bands of light blue (top), white, and light blue; centered in the white band is a radiant yellow sun with a human face known as the Sun of May _*_Economy _#_Overview: Argentina is rich in natural resources and has a highly literate population, an export-oriented agricultural sector, and a diversified industrial base. Nevertheless, following decades of mismanagement and statist policies, the economy has encountered major problems in recent years, leading to escalating inflation and a recession in 1988-90. A widening public-sector deficit and a multidigit inflation rate have dominated the economy over the past three years; retail prices rose nearly 5,000% in 1989 and another 1,345% in 1990. Since 1978, Argentina's external debt has nearly doubled to $60 billion, creating severe debt-servicing difficulties and hurting the country's creditworthiness with international lenders. _#_GNP: $82.7 billion, per capita $2,560; real growth rate - 3.5% (1990 est.) _#_Inflation rate (consumer prices): 1,350% (1990) _#_Unemployment rate: 8.6% (May 1990) _#_Budget: revenues $12.2 billion; expenditures $17.3 billion, including capital expenditures of $2.8 billion (1989) _#_Exports: $12.4 billion (f.o.b., 1990); commodities--meat, wheat, corn, oilseed, hides, wool; partners--US 12%, USSR, Italy, Brazil, Japan, Netherlands _#_Imports: $4.1 billion (c.i.f., 1990); commodities--machinery and equipment, chemicals, metals, fuels and lubricants, agricultural products; partners--US 22%, Brazil, FRG, Bolivia, Japan, Italy, Netherlands _#_External debt: $60 billion (December 1990) _#_Industrial production: growth rate 5% (1991 est.); accounts for 30% of GDP _#_Electricity: 16,749,000 kW capacity; 45,580 million kWh produced, 1,410 kWh per capita (1990) _#_Industries: food processing, motor vehicles, consumer durables, textiles, chemicals and petrochemicals, printing, metallurgy, steel _#_Agriculture: accounts for 15% of GNP (including fishing); produces abundant food for both domestic consumption and exports; among world's top five exporters of grain and beef; principal crops--wheat, corn, sorghum, soybeans, sugar beets; 1987 fish catch estimated at 500,000 tons _#_Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $1.0 billion; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-88), $4.0 billion; Communist countries (1970-89), $718 million _#_Currency: austral (plural--australes); 1 austral (2) = 100 centavos _#_Exchange rates: australes (2) per US$1--9,900 (April 1991), 4,707 (1990), 423 (1989), 8.7526 (1988), 2.1443 (1987), 0.9430 (1986), 0.6018 (1985) _#_Fiscal year: calendar year _*_Communications _#_Railroads: 34,172 km total (includes 169 km electrified); includes a mixture of 1.435-meter standard gauge, 1.676-meter broad gauge, 1.000-meter gauge, and 0.750-meter gauge _#_Highways: 208,350 km total; 47,550 km paved, 39,500 km gravel, 101,000 km improved earth, 20,300 km unimproved earth _#_Inland waterways: 11,000 km navigable _#_Pipelines: 4,090 km crude oil; 2,900 km refined products; 9,918 km natural gas _#_Ports: Bahia Blanca, Buenos Aires, Necochea, Rio Gallegos, Rosario, Santa Fe _#_Merchant marine: 129 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 1,663,884 GRT/2,689,645 DWT; includes 42 cargo, 7 refrigerated cargo, 6 container, 1 railcar carrier, 47 petroleum, oils, and lubricants (POL) tanker, 4 chemical tanker, 4 liquefied gas, 18 bulk; additionally, 2 naval tankers and 1 military transport are sometimes used commercially _#_Civil air: 54 major transport aircraft _#_Airports: 1,763 total, 1,575 usable; 135 with permanent-surface runways; 1 with runways over 3,659 m; 31 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 336 with runways 1,220-2,439 m _#_Telecommunications: extensive modern system; 2,650,000 telephones (12,000 public telephones); radio relay widely used; stations--171 AM, no FM, 231 TV, 13 shortwave; 2 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth stations; domestic satellite network has 40 stations _*_Defense Forces _#_Branches: Argentine Army, Navy of the Argentine Republic, Argentine Air Force, National Gendarmerie, Argentine Naval Prefecture (Coast Guard only), National Aeronautical Police Force _#_Manpower availability: males 15-49, 7,992,140; 6,478,730 fit for military service; 285,047 reach military age (20) annually _#_Defense expenditures: $700 million, 1% of GNP (1990) _%_ _@_Aruba (part of the Dutch realm) _*_Geography _#_Total area: 193 km2; land area: 193 km2 _#_Comparative area: slightly larger than Washington, DC _#_Land boundaries: none _#_Coastline: 68.5 km _#_Maritime claims: Exclusive fishing zone: 12 nm; Territorial sea: 12 nm _#_Climate: tropical marine; little seasonal temperature variation _#_Terrain: flat with a few hills; scant vegetation _#_Natural resources: negligible; white sandy beaches _#_Land use: arable land 0%; permanent crops 0%; meadows and pastures 0%; forest and woodland 0%; other 100% _#_Environment: lies outside the Caribbean hurricane belt _#_Note: 28 km north of Venezuela _*_People _#_Population: 64,052 (July 1991), growth rate 0.6% (1991) _#_Birth rate: 15 births/1,000 population (1991) _#_Death rate: 6 deaths/1,000 population (1991) _#_Net migration rate: - 4 migrants/1,000 population (1991) _#_Infant mortality rate: 8 deaths/1,000 live births (1991) _#_Life expectancy at birth: 72 years male, 80 years female (1991) _#_Total fertility rate: 1.8 children born/woman (1991) _#_Nationality: noun--Aruban(s); adjective--Aruban _#_Ethnic divisions: mixed European/Caribbean Indian 80% _#_Religion: Roman Catholic 82%, Protestant 8%, also small Hindu, Muslim, Confucian, and Jewish minority _#_Language: Dutch (official), Papiamento (a Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch, English dialect), English (widely spoken), Spanish _#_Literacy: NA% (male NA%, female NA%) _#_Labor force: NA, but most employment is in the tourist industry (1986) _#_Organized labor: Aruban Workers' Federation (FTA) _*_Government _#_Long-form name: none _#_Type: part of the Dutch realm--full autonomy in internal affairs obtained in 1986 upon separation from the Netherlands Antilles _#_Capital: Oranjestad _#_Administrative divisions: none (self-governing part of the Netherlands) _#_Independence: none (part of the Dutch realm); note--in 1990 Aruba requested and received from the Netherlands cancellation of the agreement to automatically give independence to the island in 1996 _#_Constitution: 1 January 1986 _#_Legal system: based on Dutch civil law system, with some English common law influence _#_National holiday: Flag Day, 18 March _#_Executive branch: Dutch monarch, governor, prime minister, Council of Ministers (cabinet) _#_Legislative branch: unicameral legislature (Staten) _#_Judicial branch: Joint High Court of Justice _#_Leaders: Chief of State--Queen BEATRIX Wilhelmina Armgard (since 30 April 1980), represented by Governor General Felipe B. TROMP (since 1 January 1986); Head of Government--Prime Minister Nelson ODUBER (since NA February 1989) _#_Political parties and leaders: Electoral Movement Party (MEP), Nelson ODUBER; Aruban People's Party (AVP), Henny EMAN; National Democratic Action (ADN), Pedro Charro KELLY; New Patriotic Party (PPN), Eddy WERLEMEN; Aruban Patriotic Party (PPA), Leo CHANCE; Aruban Democratic Party (PDA), Leo BERLINSKI; Democratic Action '86 (AD'86), Arturo ODUBER; governing coalition includes the MEP, PPA, and ADN _#_Suffrage: universal at age 18 _#_Elections: Legislature--last held 6 January 1989 (next to be held by January 1993); results--percent of vote by party NA; seats--(21 total) MEP 10, AVP 8, ADN 1, PPN 1, PPA 1 _#_Member of: ECLAC (associate), INTERPOL, IOC, UNESCO (associate), WCL, WTO (associate) _#_Diplomatic representation: none (self-governing part of the Netherlands) _#_Flag: blue with two narrow horizontal yellow stripes across the lower portion and a red, four-pointed star outlined in white in the upper hoist-side corner _*_Economy _#_Overview: Tourism is the mainstay of the economy, although offshore banking and oil refining and storage are also important. Hotel capacity expanded rapidly between 1985 and 1989 and nearly doubled in 1990 alone. Unemployment has steadily declined from about 20% in 1986 to about 2% in 1990. The reopening of the local oil refinery, once a major source of employment and foreign exchange earnings, promises to give the economy an additional boost. _#_GDP: $730 million, per capita $11,600; real growth rate 8.8% (1989 est.) _#_Inflation rate (consumer prices): 5.8% (1990 est.) _#_Unemployment rate: 1.6% (1990 est.) _#_Budget: revenues $145 million; expenditures $185 million, including capital expenditures of $42 million (1988) _#_Exports: $131.6 million (f.o.b., 1990 est.); commodities--mostly petroleum products; partners--US 64%, EC _#_Imports: $496 million (f.o.b., 1990 est.); commodities--food, consumer goods, manufactures; partners--US 8%, EC _#_External debt: $81 million (1987) _#_Industrial production: growth rate NA _#_Electricity: 310,000 kW capacity; 945 million kWh produced, 15,000 kWh per capita (1990) _#_Industries: tourism, transshipment facilities, oil refining _#_Agriculture: poor quality soils and low rainfall limit agricultural activity to the cultivation of aloes, some livestock, and fishing _#_Economic aid: Western (non-US) countries ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1980-1988), $200 million _#_Currency: Aruban florin (plural--florins); 1 Aruban florin (Af.) = 100 cents _#_Exchange rates: Aruban florins (Af.) per US$1--1.7900 (fixed rate since 1986) _#_Fiscal year: calendar year _*_Communications _#_Ports: Oranjestad, Sint Nicolaas _#_Airfield: government-owned airport east of Oranjestad _#_Telecommunications: generally adequate; extensive interisland radio relay links; 72,168 telephones; stations--4 AM, 4 FM, 1 TV; 1 sea cable to Sint Maarten _*_Defense Forces _#_Note: defense is the responsibility of the Netherlands _%_ _@_Ashmore and Cartier Islands (territory of Australia) _*_Geography _#_Total area: 5 km2; land area: 5 km2; includes Ashmore Reef (West, Middle, and East Islets) and Cartier Island _#_Comparative area: about 8.5 times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC _#_Land boundaries: none _#_Coastline: 74.1 km _#_Maritime claims: Contiguous zone: 12 nm; Continental shelf: 200 m (depth) or to depth of exploration; Exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm; Territorial sea: 3 nm _#_Climate: tropical _#_Terrain: low with sand and coral _#_Natural resources: fish _#_Land use: arable land 0%; permanent crops 0%; meadows and pastures 0%; forest and woodland 0%; other--grass and sand 100% _#_Environment: surrounded by shoals and reefs; Ashmore Reef National Nature Reserve established in August 1983 _#_Note: located in extreme eastern Indian Ocean between Australia and Indonesia 320 km off the northwest coast of Australia _*_People _#_Population: no permanent inhabitants; seasonal caretakers _*_Government _#_Long-form name: Territory of Ashmore and Cartier Islands _#_Type: territory of Australia administered by the Australian Ministry for Territories and Local Government _#_Administrative divisions: none (territory of Australia) _#_Legal system: relevant laws of the Northern Territory of Australia _#_Note: administered by the Australian Minister for Arts, Sports, the Environment, Tourism, and Territories Roslyn KELLY _#_Diplomatic representation: none (territory of Australia) _*_Economy _#_Overview: no economic activity _*_Communications _#_Ports: none; offshore anchorage only _*_Defense Forces _#_Note: defense is the responsibility of Australia; periodic visits by the Royal Australian Navy and Royal Australian Air Force _%_ _@_Atlantic Ocean _*_Geography _#_Total area: 82,217,000 km2; includes Baltic Sea, Black Sea, Caribbean Sea, Davis Strait, Denmark Strait, Drake Passage, Gulf of Mexico, Mediterranean Sea, North Sea, Norwegian Sea, Weddell Sea, and other tributary water bodies _#_Comparative area: slightly less than nine times the size of the US; second-largest of the world's four oceans (after the Pacific Ocean, but larger than Indian Ocean or Arctic Ocean) _#_Coastline: 111,866 km _#_Climate: tropical cyclones (hurricanes) develop off the coast of Africa near Cape Verde and move westward into the Caribbean Sea; hurricanes can occur from May to December, but are most frequent from August to November _#_Terrain: surface usually covered with sea ice in Labrador Sea, Denmark Strait, and Baltic Sea from October to June; clockwise warm water gyre (broad, circular system of currents) in the north Atlantic, counterclockwise warm water gyre in the south Atlantic; the ocean floor is dominated by the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, a rugged north-south centerline for the entire Atlantic basin; maximum depth is 8,605 meters in the Puerto Rico Trench _#_Natural resources: oil and gas fields, fish, marine mammals (seals and whales), sand and gravel aggregates, placer deposits, polymetallic nodules, precious stones _#_Environment: endangered marine species include the manatee, seals, sea lions, turtles, and whales; municipal sludge pollution off eastern US, southern Brazil, and eastern Argentina; oil pollution in Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, Lake Maracaibo, Mediterranean Sea, and North Sea; industrial waste and municipal sewage pollution in Baltic Sea, North Sea, and Mediterranean Sea; icebergs common in Davis Strait, Denmark Strait, and the northwestern Atlantic from February to August and have been spotted as far south as Bermuda and the Madeira Islands; icebergs from Antarctica occur in the extreme southern Atlantic _#_Note: ships subject to superstructure icing in extreme north Atlantic from October to May and extreme south Atlantic from May to October; persistent fog can be a hazard to shipping from May to September; major choke points include the Dardanelles, Strait of Gibraltar, access to the Panama and Suez Canals; strategic straits include the Dover Strait, Straits of Florida, Mona Passage, The Sound (Oresund), and Windward Passage; north Atlantic shipping lanes subject to icebergs from February to August; the Equator divides the Atlantic Ocean into the North Atlantic Ocean and South Atlantic Ocean _*_Economy _#_Overview: Economic activity is limited to exploitation of natural resources, especially fish, dredging aragonite sands (The Bahamas), and crude oil and natural gas production (Caribbean Sea and North Sea). _*_Communications _#_Ports: Alexandria (Egypt), Algiers (Algeria), Antwerp (Belgium), Barcelona (Spain), Buenos Aires (Argentina), Casablanca (Morocco), Colon (Panama), Copenhagen (Denmark), Dakar (Senegal), Gdansk (Poland), Hamburg (Germany), Helsinki (Finland), Las Palmas (Canary Islands, Spain), Le Havre (France), Saint Petersburg (formerly Leningrad; USSR), Lisbon (Portugal), London (UK), Marseille (France), Montevideo (Uruguay), Montreal (Canada), Naples (Italy), New Orleans (US), New York (US), Oran (Algeria), Oslo (Norway), Piraeus (Greece), Rio de Janeiro (Brazil), Rotterdam (Netherlands), Stockholm (Sweden) _#_Telecommunications: numerous submarine cables with most between continental Europe and the UK, North America and the UK, and in the Mediterranean; numerous direct links across Atlantic via INTELSAT satellite network _#_Note: Kiel Canal and Saint Lawrence Seaway are two important waterways _%_ _@_Australia _*_Geography _#_Total area: 7,686,850 km2; land area: 7,617,930 km2; includes Macquarie Island _#_Comparative area: slightly smaller than the US _#_Land boundaries: none _#_Coastline: 25,760 km _#_Maritime claims: Contiguous zone: 12 nm; Continental shelf: 200 m (depth) or to depth of exploitation; Exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm; Territorial sea: 3 nm _#_Disputes: territorial claim in Antarctica (Australian Antarctic Territory) _#_Climate: generally arid to semiarid; temperate in south and east; tropical in north _#_Terrain: mostly low plateau with deserts; fertile plain in southeast _#_Natural resources: bauxite, coal, iron ore, copper, tin, silver, uranium, nickel, tungsten, mineral sands, lead, zinc, diamonds, natural gas, crude oil _#_Land use: arable land 6%; permanent crops NEGL%; meadows and pastures 58%; forest and woodland 14%; other 22%; includes irrigated NEGL% _#_Environment: subject to severe droughts and floods; cyclones along coast; limited freshwater availability; irrigated soil degradation; regular, tropical, invigorating, sea breeze known as the doctor occurs along west coast in summer; desertification _#_Note: world's smallest continent but sixth-largest country _*_People _#_Population: 17,288,044 (July 1991), growth rate 1.5% (1991) _#_Birth rate: 15 births/1,000 population (1991) _#_Death rate: 7 deaths/1,000 population (1991) _#_Net migration rate: 7 migrants/1,000 population (1991) _#_Infant mortality rate: 8 deaths/1,000 live births (1991) _#_Life expectancy at birth: 74 years male, 80 years female (1991) _#_Total fertility rate: 1.8 children born/woman (1991) _#_Nationality: noun--Australian(s); adjective--Australian _#_Ethnic divisions: Caucasian 95%, Asian 4%, Aboriginal and other 1% _#_Religion: Anglican 26.1%, Roman Catholic 26.0%, other Christian 24.3% _#_Language: English, native languages _#_Literacy: 100% (male 100%, female 100%) age 15 and over can read and write (1980 est.) _#_Labor force: 7,700,000; finance and services 33.8%, public and community services 22.3%, wholesale and retail trade 20.1%, manufacturing and industry 16.2%, agriculture 6.1% (1987) _#_Organized labor: 42% of labor force (1988) _*_Government _#_Long-form name: Commonwealth of Australia _#_Type: federal parliamentary state _#_Capital: Canberra _#_Administrative divisions: 6 states and 2 territories*; Australian Capital Territory*, New South Wales, Northern Territory*, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, Western Australia _#_Dependent areas: Ashmore and Cartier Islands, Christmas Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Coral Sea Islands, Heard Island and McDonald Islands, Norfolk Island _#_Independence: 1 January 1901 (federation of UK colonies) _#_Constitution: 9 July 1900, effective 1 January 1901 _#_Legal system: based on English common law; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations _#_National holiday: Australia Day (last Monday in January), 29 January 1990 _#_Executive branch: British monarch, governor general, prime minister, deputy prime minister, Cabinet _#_Legislative branch: bicameral Federal Parliament consists of an upper house or Senate and a lower house or House of Representatives _#_Judicial branch: High Court _#_Leaders: Chief of State--Queen ELIZABETH II (since February 1952), represented by Governor General William George HAYDEN (since NA February 1989); Head of Government--Prime Minister Robert James Lee HAWKE (since 11 March 1983); Deputy Prime Minister Paul KEATING (since 3 April 1990) _#_Political parties and leaders: government--Australian Labor Party, Robert James Lee HAWKE; opposition--Liberal Party, John HEWSON; National Party, Timothy FISCHER; Australian Democratic Party, Janet POWELL _#_Suffrage: universal and compulsory at age 18 _#_Elections: Senate--last held 11 July 1987 (next to be held by July 1993); results--Labor 43%, Liberal-National 42%, Australian Democrats 8%, independents 2%; seats--(76 total) Labor 32, Liberal-National 34, Australian Democrats 7, independents 3; House of Representatives--last held 24 March 1990 (next to be held by November 1993); results--Labor 39.7%, Liberal-National 43%, Australian Democrats and independents 11.1%; seats--(148 total) Labor 78, Liberal-National 69, independent 1 _#_Communists: 4,000 members (est.) _#_Other political or pressure groups: Australian Democratic Labor Party (anti-Communist Labor Party splinter group); Peace and Nuclear Disarmament Action (Nuclear Disarmament Party splinter group) _#_Member of: AfDB, AG (observer), ANZUS, APEC, AsDB, BIS, C, CCC, CP, EBRD, ESCAP, FAO, GATT, G-8, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, LORCS, NAM (guest), NEA, OECD, PCA, SPC, SPF, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNHCR, UNIIMOG, UNTAG, UNTSO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO _#_Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Michael J. COOK; Chancery at 1601 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington DC 20036; telephone (202) 797-3000; there are Australian Consulates General in Chicago, Honolulu, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, Pago Pago (American Samoa), and San Francisco; US--Ambassador Melvin F. SEMBLER; Moonah Place, Yarralumla, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 2600 (mailing address is APO San Francisco 96404); telephone [61] (6) 270-5000; there are US Consulates General in Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney, and a Consulate in Brisbane _#_Flag: blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and a large seven-pointed star in the lower hoist-side quadrant; the remaining half is a representation of the Southern Cross constellation in white with one small five-pointed star and four, larger, seven-pointed stars _*_Economy _#_Overview: Australia has a prosperous Western-style capitalist economy, with a per capita GNP comparable to levels in industrialized West European countries. Rich in natural resources, Australia is a major exporter of agricultural products, minerals, metals, and fossil fuels. Of the top 25 exports, 21 are primary products, so that, as happened during 1983-84, a downturn in world commodity prices can have a big impact on the economy. The government is pushing for increased exports of manufactured goods but competition in international markets will be severe. _#_GDP: $255.9 billion, per capita $15,000; real growth rate 2.2% (1990) _#_Inflation rate (consumer prices): 6.9% (December 1990) _#_Unemployment rate: 9.2% (March 1991) _#_Budget: revenues $74.2 billion; expenditures $67.9 billion, including capital expenditures of NA (FY90) _#_Exports: $39.8 billion (f.o.b., FY90); commodities--metals, minerals, coal, wool, cereals, meat, manufacturers; partners--Japan 26%, US 11%, NZ 6%, South Korea 4%, Singapore 4%, UK, Taiwan, Hong Kong _#_Imports: $42.0 billion (f.o.b., FY90); commodities--manufactured raw materials, capital equipment, consumer goods; partners--US 24%, Japan 19%, UK 6%, FRG 7%, NZ 4% (1990) _#_External debt: $123.7 billion (September 1990) _#_Industrial production: growth rate - 1.8% (1990); accounts for 32% of GDP _#_Electricity: 38,000,000 kW capacity; 150,000 million kWh produced, 8,860 kWh per capita (1990) _#_Industries: mining, industrial and transportation equipment, food processing, chemicals, steel, motor vehicles _#_Agriculture: accounts for 5% of GNP and 37% of export revenues; world's largest exporter of beef and wool, second-largest for mutton, and among top wheat exporters; major crops--wheat, barley, sugarcane, fruit; livestock--cattle, sheep, poultry _#_Economic aid: donor--ODA and OOF commitments (1970-89), $10.4 billion _#_Currency: Australian dollar (plural--dollars); 1 Australian dollar ($A) = 100 cents _#_Exchange rates: Australian dollars ($A) per US$1--1.2834 (January 1991), 1.2799 (1990), 1.2618 (1989), 1.2752 (1988), 1.4267 (1987), 1.4905 (1986), 1.4269 (1985) _#_Fiscal year: 1 July-30 June _*_Communications _#_Railroads: 40,478 km total; 7,970 km 1.600-meter gauge, 16,201 km 1.435-meter standard gauge, 16,307 km 1.067-meter gauge; 183 km dual gauge; 1,130 km electrified; government owned (except for a few hundred kilometers of privately owned track) (1985) _#_Highways: 837,872 km total; 243,750 km paved, 228,396 km gravel, crushed stone, or stabilized soil surface, 365,726 km unimproved earth _#_Inland waterways: 8,368 km; mainly by small, shallow-draft craft _#_Pipelines: crude oil, 2,500 km; refined products, 500 km; natural gas, 5,600 km _#_Ports: Adelaide, Brisbane, Cairns, Darwin, Devonport, Fremantle, Geelong, Hobart, Launceston, Mackay, Melbourne, Sydney, Townsville _#_Merchant marine: 77 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 2,249,926 GRT/3,391,323 DWT; includes 2 short-sea passenger, 6 cargo, 6 container, 10 roll-on/roll-off cargo, 1 vehicle carrier, 16 petroleum, oils, and lubricants (POL) tanker, 1 chemical tanker, 4 liquefied gas, 1 combination ore/oil, 30 bulk _#_Civil air: around 150 major transport aircraft _#_Airports: 747 total, 524 usable; 270 with permanent-surface runways, 1 with runways over 3,659 m; 17 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 401 with runways 1,220-2,439 m _#_Telecommunications: good international and domestic service; 8.7 million telephones; stations--258 AM, 67 FM, 134 TV; submarine cables to New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, and Indonesia; domestic satellite service; satellite stations--4 Indian Ocean INTELSAT, 6 Pacific Ocean INTELSAT earth stations _*_Defense Forces _#_Branches: Australian Army, Royal Australian Navy, Royal Australian Air Force _#_Manpower availability: males 15-49, 4,689,559; 4,090,921 fit for military service; 135,435 reach military age (17) annually _#_Defense expenditures: $6.6 billion, 2.2% of GDP (FY90) _%_ _@_Austria _*_Geography _#_Total area: 83,850 km2; land area: 82,730 km2 _#_Comparative area: slightly smaller than Maine _#_Land boundaries: 2,640 km total; Czechoslovakia 548 km, Germany 784 km, Hungary 366 km, Italy 430 km, Liechtenstein 37 km, Switzerland 164 km, Yugoslavia 311 km _#_Coastline: none--landlocked _#_Maritime claims: none--landlocked _#_Climate: temperate; continental, cloudy; cold winters with frequent rain in lowlands and snow in mountains; cool summers with occasional showers _#_Terrain: mostly mountains with Alps in west and south; mostly flat, with gentle slopes along eastern and northern margins _#_Natural resources: iron ore, crude oil, timber, magnesite, aluminum, lead, coal, lignite, copper, hydropower _#_Land use: arable land 17%; permanent crops 1%; meadows and pastures 24%; forest and woodland 39%; other 19%; includes irrigated NEGL% _#_Environment: because of steep slopes, poor soils, and cold temperatures, population is concentrated on eastern lowlands _#_Note: landlocked; strategic location at the crossroads of central Europe with many easily traversable Alpine passes and valleys; major river is the Danube _*_People _#_Population: 7,665,804 (July 1991), growth rate 0.3% (1991) _#_Birth rate: 12 births/1,000 population (1991) _#_Death rate: 11 deaths/1,000 population (1991) _#_Net migration rate: 2 migrants/1,000 population (1991) _#_Infant mortality rate: 5 deaths/1,000 live births (1991) _#_Life expectancy at birth: 74 years male, 81 years female (1991) _#_Total fertility rate: 1.5 children born/woman (1991) _#_Nationality: noun--Austrian(s); adjective--Austrian _#_Ethnic divisions: German 99.4%, Croatian 0.3%, Slovene 0.2%, other 0.1% _#_Religion: Roman Catholic 85%, Protestant 6%, other 9% _#_Language: German _#_Literacy: 99% (male NA%, female NA%) age 15 and over can read and write (1974 est.) _#_Labor force: 3,470,000 (1989); services 56.4%, industry and crafts 35.4%, agriculture and forestry 8.1%; an estimated 200,000 Austrians are employed in other European countries; foreign laborers in Austria number 177,840, about 6% of labor force (1988) _#_Organized labor: 60.1% of work force; the Austrian Trade Union Federation has 1,644,408 members (1989) _*_Government _#_Long-form name: Republic of Austria _#_Type: federal republic _#_Capital: Vienna _#_Administrative divisions: 9 states (bundeslander, singular--bundesland); Burgenland, Karnten, Niederosterreich, Oberosterreich, Salzburg, Steiermark, Tirol, Vorarlberg, Wien _#_Independence: 12 November 1918 (from Austro-Hungarian Empire) _#_Constitution: 1920, revised 1929 (reinstated 1945) _#_Legal system: civil law system with Roman law origin; judicial review of legislative acts by a Constitutional Court; separate administrative and civil/penal supreme courts; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction _#_National holiday: National Day, 26 October (1955) _#_Executive branch: president, chancellor, vice chancellor, Council of Ministers (cabinet) _#_Legislative branch: bicameral Federal Assembly (Bundesversammlung) consists of an upper council or Federal Council (Bundesrat) and a lower council or National Council (Nationalrat) _#_Judicial branch: Supreme Judicial Court (Oberster Gerichtshof) for civil and criminal cases, Administrative Court (Verwaltungsgerichtshof) for bureaucratic cases, Constitutional Court (Verfassungsgerichtshof) for constitutional cases _#_Leaders: Chief of State--President Kurt WALDHEIM (since 8 July 1986); Head of Government--Chancellor Franz VRANITZKY (since 16 June 1986); Vice Chancellor Josef RIEGLER (since 19 May 1989) _#_Political parties and leaders: Socialist Party of Austria (SPO), Franz VRANITZKY, chairman; Austrian People's Party (OVP), Josef RIEGLER, chairman; Freedom Party of Austria (FPO), Jorg HAIDER, chairman; Communist Party (KPO), Franz MUHRI, chairman; Green Alternative List (GAL), Andreas WABL, chairman _#_Suffrage: universal at age 19; compulsory for presidential elections _#_Elections: President--last held 8 June 1986 (next to be held May 1992); results of Second Ballot--Dr. Kurt WALDHEIM 53.89%, Dr. Kurt STEYRER 46.11%; National Council--last held 7 October 1990 (next to be held October 1994); results--SP0 43%, OVP 32.1%, FPO 16.6%, GAL 4.5%, KPO 0.7%, other 0.32%; seats--(183 total) SP0 80, OVP 60, FP0 33, GAL 10 _#_Communists: membership 15,000 est.; activists 7,000-8,000 _#_Other political or pressure groups: Federal Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Austrian Trade Union Federation (primarily Socialist); three composite leagues of the Austrian People's Party (OVP) representing business, labor, and farmers; OVP-oriented League of Austrian Industrialists; Roman Catholic Church, including its chief lay organization, Catholic Action _#_Member of: AfDB, AG (observer), AsDB, BIS, CCC, CE, CERN, CSCE, EBRD, ECE, EFTA, ESA, FAO, G-9, GATT, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, LORCS, NAM (guest), NEA, OAS (observer), OECD, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNDOF, UNFICYP, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIIMOG, UNTSO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO _#_Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Friedrich HOESS; Embassy at 2343 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington DC 20008; telephone (202) 483-4474; there are Austrian Consulates General in Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York; US--Ambassador Roy Michael HUFFINGTON; Embassy at Boltzmanngasse 16, A-1091, Vienna (mailing address is APO New York 09108-0001); telephone [43] (222) 31-55-11; there is a US Consulate General in Salzburg _#_Flag: three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and red _*_Economy _#_Overview: Austria boasts a prosperous and stable capitalist economy with a sizable proportion of nationalized industry and extensive welfare benefits. Thanks to an excellent raw material endowment, a technically skilled labor force, and strong links to West German industrial firms, Austria has successfully occupied specialized niches in European industry and services (tourism, banking) and produces almost enough food to feed itself with only 8% of the labor force in agriculture. Improved export prospects from German unification and the opening of Eastern Europe will also boost the economy during the next few years. Living standards are roughly comparable with the large industrial countries of Western Europe. Problems for the l990s include an aging population, the high level of subsidies, and the struggle to keep welfare benefits within budget capabilities. Austria, which has applied for EC membership, is currently involved in EC and European Free Trade Association negotiations for a European Economic Area and will have to adapt its economy to achieve freer movement of goods, services, capital, and labor with the EC. _#_GDP: $111.0 billion, per capita $14,500; real growth rate 4.5% (1990) _#_Inflation rate (consumer prices): 3.3% (1990) _#_Unemployment: 5.4% (1990) _#_Budget: revenues $44.1 billion; expenditures $49.6 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA (1990) _#_Exports: $40.9 billion (f.o.b., 1990); commodities--machinery and equipment, iron and steel, lumber, textiles, paper products, chemicals; partners--EC 64.8%, EFTA 10.3%, CEMA 7.7%, US 3.2%, Japan 1.5% _#_Imports: $46.6 billion (c.i.f., 1990); commodities--petroleum, foodstuffs, machinery and equipment, vehicles, chemicals, textiles and clothing, pharmaceuticals; partners--EC 68.4%, EFTA 7%, CEMA 5.7%, Japan 4.6%, US 3.6% _#_External debt: $11.8 billion (1990 est.) _#_Industrial production: real growth rate 8.5% (1990); accounts for 34% of GDP _#_Electricity: 17,562,000 kW capacity; 49,290 million kWh produced, 6,500 kWh per capita (1989) _#_Industries: foods, iron and steel, machines, textiles, chemicals, electrical, paper and pulp, tourism, mining _#_Agriculture: accounts for 3.2% of GDP (including forestry); principal crops and animals--grains, fruit, potatoes, sugar beets, sawn wood, cattle, pigs poultry; 80-90% self-sufficient in food _#_Economic aid: donor--ODA and OOF commitments (1970-89), $2.4 billion _#_Currency: Austrian schilling (plural--schillings); 1 Austrian schilling (S) = 100 groschen _#_Exchange rates: Austrian schillings (S) per US$1--10.627 (January 1991), 11.370 (1990), 13.231 (1989), 12.348 (1988), 12.643 (1987), 15.267 (1986), 20.690 (1985) _#_Fiscal year: calendar year _*_Communications _#_Railroads: 6,028 km total; 5,388 km government owned and 640 km privately owned (1.435- and 1.000-meter gauge); 5,403 km 1.435-meter standard gauge of which 3,051 km is electrified and 1,520 km is double tracked; 363 km 0.760-meter narrow gauge of which 91 km is electrified _#_Highways: 95,412 km total; 34,612 are the primary network (including 1,012 km of autobahn, 10,400 km of federal, and 23,200 km of provincial roads); of this number, 21,812 km are paved and 12,800 km are unpaved; in addition, there are 60,800 km of communal roads (mostly gravel, crushed stone, earth) _#_Inland waterways: 446 km _#_Ports: Vienna, Linz (river ports) _#_Merchant marine: 32 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 150,735 GRT/252,237 DWT; includes 26 cargo, 1 container, 1 chemical tanker, 4 bulk _#_Pipelines: 554 km crude oil; 2,611 km natural gas; 171 km refined products _#_Civil air: 25 major transport aircraft _#_Airports: 55 total, 54 usable; 20 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 5 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 4 with runways 1,220-2,439 m _#_Telecommunications: highly developed and efficient; 4,014,000 telephones; extensive TV and radiobroadcast systems; stations--6 AM, 21 (545 repeaters) FM, 47 (870 repeaters) TV; satellite stations operating in INTELSAT 1 Atlantic Ocean earth station and 1 Indian Ocean earth station and EUTELSAT systems _*_Defense Forces _#_Branches: Army, Flying Division, Gendarmerie _#_Manpower availability: males 15-49, 1,957,414; 1,646,179 fit for military service; 48,038 reach military age (19) annually _#_Defense expenditures: $1.4 billion, 1% of GDP (1990) _%_ _@_The Bahamas _*_Geography _#_Total area: 13,940 km2; land area: 10,070 km2 _#_Comparative area: slightly larger than Connecticut _#_Land boundaries: none _#_Coastline: 3,542 km _#_Maritime claims: Continental shelf: 200 m (depth) or to depth of exploitation; Exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm; Territorial sea: 3 nm _#_Climate: tropical marine; moderated by warm waters of Gulf Stream _#_Terrain: long, flat coral formations with some low rounded hills _#_Natural resources: salt, aragonite, timber _#_Land use: arable land 1%; permanent crops NEGL%; meadows and pastures NEGL%; forest and woodland 32%; other 67% _#_Environment: subject to hurricanes and other tropical storms that cause extensive flood damage _#_Note: strategic location adjacent to US and Cuba; extensive island chain _*_People _#_Population: 252,110 (July 1991), growth rate 1.4% (1991) _#_Birth rate: 19 births/1,000 population (1991) _#_Death rate: 5 deaths/1,000 population (1991) _#_Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1991) _#_Infant mortality rate: 18 deaths/1,000 live births (1991) _#_Life expectancy at birth: 69 years male, 76 years female (1991) _#_Total fertility rate: 2.2 children born/woman (1991) _#_Nationality: noun--Bahamian(s); adjective--Bahamian _#_Ethnic divisions: black 85%, white 15% _#_Religion: Baptist 32%, Anglican 20%, Roman Catholic 19%, Methodist 6%, Church of God 6%, other Protestant 12%, none or unknown 3%, other 2% (1980) _#_Language: English; some Creole among Haitian immigrants _#_Literacy: 90% (male 90%, female 89%) age 15 and over but definition of literacy not available (1963 est.) _#_Labor force: 132,600; government 30%, hotels and restaurants 25%, business services 10%, agriculture 5% (1986) _#_Organized labor: 25% of labor force _*_Government _#_Long-form name: The Commonwealth of The Bahamas _#_Type: commonwealth _#_Capital: Nassau _#_Administrative divisions: 21 districts; Abaco, Acklins Island, Andros Island, Berry Islands, Biminis, Cat Island, Cay Lobos, Crooked Island, Eleuthera, Exuma, Grand Bahama, Harbour Island, Inagua, Long Cay, Long Island, Mayaguana, New Providence, Ragged Island, Rum Cay, San Salvador, Spanish Wells _#_Independence: 10 July 1973 (from UK) _#_Constitution: 10 July 1973 _#_Legal system: based on English common law _#_National holiday: Independence Day, 10 July (1973) _#_Executive branch: British monarch, governor general, prime minister, deputy prime minister, Cabinet _#_Legislative branch: bicameral Parliament consists of an upper house or Senate and a lower house or House of Assembly _#_Judicial branch: Supreme Court _#_Leaders: Chief of State--Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Acting Governor General Sir Henry TAYLOR (since 26 June 1988); Head of Government--Prime Minister Sir Lynden Oscar PINDLING (since 16 January 1967) _#_Political parties and leaders: Progressive Liberal Party (PLP), Sir Lynden O. PINDLING; Free National Movement (FNM), Hubert Alexander INGRAHAM _#_Suffrage: universal at age 18 _#_Elections: House of Assembly--last held 19 June 1987 (next to be held by June 1992); results--percent of vote by party NA; seats--(49 total) PLP 32, FNM 17 _#_Communists: none known _#_Other political or pressure groups: Vanguard Nationalist and Socialist Party (VNSP), a small leftist party headed by Lionel CAREY; Trade Union Congress (TUC), headed by Arlington MILLER _#_Member of: ACP, C, CCC, CARICOM, CDB, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, IADB, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO _#_Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Margaret E. McDONALD; Chancery at Suite 865, 600 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington DC 20037; telephone (202) 944-3390; there are Bahamian Consulates General in Miami and New York; US--Ambassador Chic HECHT; Embassy at Mosmar Building, Queen Street, Nassau (mailing address is P. O. Box N-8197, Nassau); telephone (809) 322-1181 or 328-2206 _#_Flag: three equal horizontal bands of aquamarine (top), gold, and aquamarine with a black equilateral triangle based on the hoist side _*_Economy _#_Overview: The Bahamas is a stable, middle-income developing nation whose economy is based primarily on tourism and offshore banking. Tourism alone provides about 50% of GDP and directly or indirectly employs about 50,000 people or 40% of the local work force. The economy has slackened in recent years, as the annual increase in the number of tourists slowed. Nonetheless, the per capita GDP of $9,800 is one of the highest in the region. _#_GDP: $2.4 billion, per capita $9,800; real growth rate 2.0% (1989 est.) _#_Inflation rate (consumer prices): 7.1% (1990 est.) _#_Unemployment: 11.7% (1989) _#_Budget: revenues $1.03 billion; expenditures $1.1 billion, including capital expenditures of $275 million (1990) _#_Exports: $300 million (f.o.b., 1990 est.); commodities--pharmaceuticals, cement, rum, crawfish; partners--US 41%, Norway 30%, Denmark 4% _#_Imports: $1.23 billion (f.o.b., 1990 est.); commodities--foodstuffs, manufactured goods, mineral fuels; partners--US 35%, Nigeria 21%, Japan 13%, Angola 11% _#_External debt: $1.2 billion (December 1990) _#_Industrial production: growth rate NA%; accounts for 15% of GDP _#_Electricity: 368,000 kW capacity; 857 million kWh produced, 3,480 kWh per capita (1990) _#_Industries: tourism, banking, cement, oil refining and transshipment, salt production, rum, aragonite, pharmaceuticals, spiral weld, steel pipe _#_Agriculture: accounts for less than 5% of GDP; dominated by small-scale producers; principal products--citrus fruit, vegetables, poultry; large net importer of food _#_Illicit drugs: transshipment point for cocaine _#_Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY85-88), $1.0 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-88), $345 million _#_Currency: Bahamian dollar (plural--dollars); 1 Bahamian dollar (B$) = 100 cents _#_Exchange rates: Bahamian dollar (B$) per US$1--1.00 (fixed rate) _#_Fiscal year: calendar year _*_Communications _#_Highways: 2,400 km total; 1,350 km paved, 1,050 km gravel _#_Ports: Freeport, Nassau _#_Merchant marine: 636 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 14,266,066 GRT/23,585,465 DWT; includes 42 passenger, 16 short-sea passenger, 190 cargo, 41 roll-on/roll-off cargo, 23 container, 5 car carrier, 1 railroad carrier, 141 petroleum, oils, and lubricants (POL) tanker, 8 liquefied gas, 15 combination ore/oil, 33 chemical tanker, 1 specialized tanker, 112 bulk, 8 combination bulk; note--a flag of convenience registry _#_Civil air: 9 major transport aircraft _#_Airports: 59 total, 57 usable; 31 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 3 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 25 with runways 1,220-2,439 m _#_Telecommunications: highly developed; 99,000 telephones in totally automatic system; tropospheric scatter and submarine cable links to Florida; stations--3 AM, 2 FM, 1 TV; 3 coaxial submarine cables; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station _*_Defense Forces _#_Branches: Royal Bahamas Defense Force (a coast guard element only), Royal Bahamas Police Force _#_Manpower availability: males 15-49, 68,020; NA fit for military service _#_Defense expenditures: $65 million, 2.7% of GDP (1990) _%_ _@_Bahrain _*_Geography _#_Total area: 620 km2; land area: 620 km2 _#_Comparative area: slightly less than 3.5 times the size of Washington, DC _#_Land boundaries: none _#_Coastline: 161 km _#_Maritime claims: Continental shelf: not specific; Territorial sea: 3 nm _#_Disputes: territorial dispute with Qatar over the Hawar Islands _#_Climate: arid; mild, pleasant winters; very hot, humid summers _#_Terrain: mostly low desert plain rising gently to low central escarpment _#_Natural resources: oil, associated and nonassociated natural gas, fish _#_Land use: arable land 2%; permanent crops 2%; meadows and pastures 6%; forest and woodland 0%; other 90%, includes irrigated NEGL% _#_Environment: subsurface water sources being rapidly depleted (requires development of desalination facilities); dust storms; desertification _#_Note: close to primary Middle Eastern crude oil sources; strategic location in Persian Gulf through which much of Western world's crude oil must transit to reach open ocean _*_People _#_Population: 536,974 (July 1991), growth rate 3.2% (1991) _#_Birth rate: 27 births/1,000 population (1991) _#_Death rate: 3 deaths/1,000 population (1991) _#_Net migration rate: 7 migrants/1,000 population (1991) _#_Infant mortality rate: 17 deaths/1,000 live births (1991) _#_Life expectancy at birth: 71 years male, 76 years female (1991) _#_Total fertility rate: 4.0 children born/woman (1991) _#_Nationality: noun--Bahraini(s); adjective--Bahraini _#_Ethnic divisions: Bahraini 63%, Asian 13%, other Arab 10%, Iranian 8%, other 6% _#_Religion: Muslim (Shia 70%, Sunni 30%) _#_Language: Arabic (official); English also widely spoken; Farsi, Urdu _#_Literacy: 77% (male 82%, female 69%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) _#_Labor force: 140,000; 42% of labor force is Bahraini; industry and commerce 85%, agriculture 5%, services 5%, government 3% (1982) _#_Organized labor: General Committee for Bahrain Workers exists in only eight major designated companies _*_Government _#_Long-form name: State of Bahrain _#_Type: traditional monarchy _#_Capital: Manama _#_Administrative divisions: 12 municipalities (baladiyat, singular--baladiyah); Al Hadd, Al Manamah, Al Mintaqah al Gharbiyah, Al Mintaqah al Wusta, Al Mintaqah ash Shamaliyah, Al Muharraq, Ar Rifa wa al Mintaqah al Janubiyah, Jidd Hafs, Madinat Hamad, Madinat Isa, Mintaqat Juzur Hawar, Sitrah _#_Independence: 15 August 1971 (from UK) _#_Constitution: 26 May 1973, effective 6 December 1973 _#_Legal system: based on Islamic law and English common law _#_National holiday: National Day, 16 December _#_Executive branch: amir, crown prince and heir apparent, prime minister, Cabinet _#_Legislative branch: unicameral National Assembly was dissolved 26 August 1975 and legislative powers were assumed by the Cabinet _#_Judicial branch: High Civil Appeals Court _#_Leaders: Chief of State--Amir Isa bin Salman Al KHALIFA (since 2 November 1961); Heir Apparent Hamad bin Isa Al KHALIFA (son of Amir; born 28 January 1950); Head of Government--Prime Minister Khalifa bin Salman Al KHALIFA, (since 19 January 1970) _#_Political parties and pressure groups: political parties prohibited; several small, clandestine leftist and Shia fundamentalist groups are active _#_Suffrage: none _#_Elections: none _#_Communists: negligible _#_Member of: ABEDA, AFESD, AL, AMF, ESCWA, FAO, G-77, GCC, IBRD, ICAO, IDB, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ISO (correspondent), ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAPEC, OIC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WMO _#_Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Ghazi Muhammad AL-QUSAYBI; Chancery at 3502 International Drive NW, Washington DC 20008; telephone (202) 342-0741 or 342-0742; there is a Bahraini Consulate General in New York; US--Ambassador Dr. Charles W. HOSTLER; Embassy at Building No. 979, Road No. 3119, Block/Area 331, Manama ZINJ (mailing address is P. O. 26431, Manama, or FPO New York 09526-6210); telephone [973] 273-300 or 275-126 _#_Flag: red with a white serrated band (eight white points) on the hoist side _*_Economy _#_Overview: Petroleum production and processing account for about 85% of export receipts, 60% of government revenues, and 20% of GDP. Economic conditions have fluctuated with the changing fortunes of oil since 1985, including the Gulf crisis of 1990-91. The liberation of Kuwait in early 1991 has improved short- to medium-term prospects and has raised investors' confidence. Bahrain with its highly developed communication and transport facilities is home to numerous multinational firms with business in the Gulf. _#_GDP: $3.9 billion, per capita $7,500; real growth rate 2.5% (1990 est.) _#_Inflation rate (consumer prices): 1.5% (1989) _#_Unemployment: 8-10% (1989) _#_Budget: revenues $1.2 billion; expenditures $1.32 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA (1989) _#_Exports: $2.7 billion (f.o.b., 1989 est.); commodities--petroleum 80%, aluminum 7%, other 13%; partners--UAE, Japan, US, India _#_Imports: $3.0 billion (f.o.b., 1989); commodities--nonoil 59%, crude oil 41%; partners--Saudi Arabia, Japan, US, UK _#_External debt: $1.1 billion (December 1989 est.) _#_Industrial production: growth rate 3.8% (1988); accounts for 44% of GDP _#_Electricity: 1,652,000 kW capacity; 6,000 million kWh produced, 12,080 kWh per capita (1989) _#_Industries: petroleum processing and refining, aluminum smelting, offshore banking, ship repairing _#_Agriculture: including fishing, accounts for less than 2% of GDP; not self-sufficient in food production; heavily subsidized sector produces fruit, vegetables, poultry, dairy products, shrimp, and fish; fish catch 9,000 metric tons in 1987 _#_Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-79), $24 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-88), $35 million; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $9.8 billion _#_Currency: Bahraini dinar (plural--dinars); 1 Bahraini dinar (BD) = 1,000 fils _#_Exchange rates: Bahraini dinars (BD) per US$1--0.3760 (fixed rate) _#_Fiscal year: calendar year _*_Communications _#_Highways: 200 km bituminous surfaced, including 25 km bridge-causeway to Saudi Arabia opened in November 1986; NA km natural surface tracks _#_Ports: Mina Salman, Manama, Sitrah _#_Merchant marine: 4 cargo and 2 container (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 114,733 GRT/155,065 DWT _#_Pipelines: crude oil, 56 km; refined products, 16 km; natural gas, 32 km _#_Civil air: 24 major transport aircraft _#_Airports: 3 total, 3 usable; 2 with permanent-surface runways; 2 with runways over 3,659 m; 1 with runways 1,220-2,439 m _#_Telecommunications: excellent international telecommunications; adequate domestic services; 98,000 telephones; stations--2 AM, 1 FM, 2 TV; satellite earth stations--1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT, 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT, 1 ARABSAT; tropospheric scatter and microwave to Qatar, UAE, Saudi Arabia; submarine cable to Qatar and UAE _*_Defense Forces _#_Branches: Army, Navy, Air Force, Air Defense, Police Force _#_Manpower availability: males 15-49, 187,606; 104,285 fit for military service _#_Defense expenditures: $194 million, 6% of GDP (1990) _%_ _@_Baker Island (territory of the US) _*_Geography _#_Total area: 1.4 km2; land area: 1.4 km2 _#_Comparative area: about 2.3 times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC _#_Land boundaries: none _#_Coastline: 4.8 km _#_Maritime claims: Contiguous zone: 12 nm; Continental shelf: 200 m (depth); Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm; Territorial sea: 12 nm _#_Climate: equatorial; scant rainfall, constant wind, burning sun _#_Terrain: low, nearly level coral island surrounded by a narrow fringing reef _#_Natural resources: guano (deposits worked until 1891) _#_Land use: arable land 0%; permanent crops 0%; meadows and pastures 0%; forest and woodland 0%; other 100% _#_Environment: treeless, sparse and scattered vegetation consisting of grasses, prostrate vines, and low growing shrubs; lacks fresh water; primarily a nesting, roosting, and foraging habitat for seabirds, shorebirds, and marine wildlife _#_Note: remote location 2,575 km southwest of Honolulu in the North Pacific Ocean, just north of the Equator, about halfway between Hawaii and Australia _*_People _#_Population: uninhabited _#_Note: American civilians evacuated in 1942 after Japanese air and naval attacks during World War II; occupied by US military during World War II, but abandoned after the war; public entry is by special-use permit only and generally restricted to scientists and educators; a cemetery and cemetery ruins located near the middle of the west coast _*_Government _#_Long-form name: none _#_Type: unincorporated territory of the US administered by the Fish and Wildlife Service of the US Department of the Interior as part of the National Wildlife Refuge system _*_Economy _#_Overview: no economic activity _*_Communications _#_Ports: none; offshore anchorage only, one boat landing area along the middle of the west coast _#_Airports: 1 abandoned World War II runway of 1,665 m _#_Note: there is a day beacon near the middle of the west coast _*_Defense Forces _#_Note: defense is the responsibility of the US; visited annually by the US Coast Guard _%_ _@_Bangladesh _*_Geography _#_Total area: 144,000 km2; land area: 133,910 km2 _#_Comparative area: slightly smaller than Wisconsin _#_Land boundaries: 4,246 km total; Burma 193 km, India 4,053 km _#_Coastline: 580 km _#_Maritime claims: Contiguous zone: 18 nm; Continental shelf: up to outer limits of continental margin; Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm; Territorial sea: 12 nm _#_Disputes: a portion of the boundary with India is in dispute; water sharing problems with upstream riparian India over the Ganges _#_Climate: tropical; cool, dry winter (October to March); hot, humid summer (March to June); cool, rainy monsoon (June to October) _#_Terrain: mostly flat alluvial plain; hilly in southeast _#_Natural resources: natural gas, uranium, arable land, timber _#_Land use: arable land 67%; permanent crops 2%; meadows and pastures 4%; forest and woodland 16%; other 11%; includes irrigated 14% _#_Environment: vulnerable to droughts; much of country routinely flooded during summer monsoon season; overpopulation; deforestation _#_Note: almost completely surrounded by India _*_People _#_Population: 116,601,424 (July 1991), growth rate 2.3% (1991) _#_Birth rate: 36 births/1,000 population (1991) _#_Death rate: 13 deaths/1,000 population (1991) _#_Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1991) _#_Infant mortality rate: 118 deaths/1,000 live births (1991) _#_Life expectancy at birth: 54 years male, 52 years female (1991) _#_Total fertility rate: 4.7 children born/woman (1991) _#_Nationality: noun--Bangladeshi(s); adjective--Bangladesh _#_Ethnic divisions: Bengali 98%, Biharis 250,000, and tribals less than 1 million _#_Religion: Muslim 83%, Hindu 16%, Buddhist, Christian, and other less than 1% _#_Language: Bangla (official), English widely used _#_Literacy: 35% (male 47%, female 22%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) _#_Labor force: 35,100,000; agriculture 74%, services 15%, industry and commerce 11% (FY86); extensive export of labor to Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Oman (1991) _#_Organized labor: 3% of labor force belongs to 2,614 registered unions (1986 est.) _*_Government _#_Long-form name: People's Republic of Bangladesh _#_Type: republic _#_Capital: Dhaka _#_Administrative divisions: 64 districts (zillagulo, singular--zilla); Bagerhat, Bandarban, Barguna, Barisal, Bhola, Bogra, Brahmanbaria, Chandpur, Chapai Nawabganj, Chattagram, Chuadanga, Comilla, Cox's Bazar, Dhaka, Dinajpur, Faridpur, Feni, Gaibandha, Gazipur, Gopalganj, Habiganj, Jaipurhat, Jamalpur, Jessore, Jhalakati, Jhenaidah, Khagrachari, Khulna, Kishorganj, Kurigram, Kushtia, Laksmipur, Lalmonirhat, Madaripur, Magura, Manikganj, Meherpur, Moulavibazar, Munshiganj, Mymensingh, Naogaon, Narail, Narayanganj, Narsingdi, Nator, Netrakona, Nilphamari, Noakhali, Pabna, Panchagar, Parbattya Chattagram, Patuakhali, Pirojpur, Rajbari, Rajshahi, Rangpur, Satkhira, Shariyatpur, Sherpur, Sirajganj, Sunamganj, Sylhet, Tangail, Thakurgaon _#_Independence: 16 December 1971 (from Pakistan; formerly East Pakistan) _#_Constitution: 4 November 1972, effective 16 December 1972, suspended following coup of 24 March 1982, restored 10 November 1986, amended NA March 1991 _#_Legal system: based on English common law _#_National holiday: Independence Day, 26 March (1971) _#_Executive branch: president, prime minister, Cabinet _#_Legislative branch: unicameral National Parliament (Jatiya Sangsad) _#_Judicial branch: Supreme Court _#_Leaders: Chief of State--President Abdur Rahman BISWAS (since 8 October 1991) Head of Government--Prime Minister Khaleda ZIAUR Rahman (since 20 March 1991) _#_Political parties and leaders: Bangladesh Nationalist Party, Khaleda ZIAUR Rahman; Awami League, Sheikh Hasina WAZED; Jatiyo Party, Hussain Mohammad ERSHAD; Jamaat-E-Islami, Ali KHAN; Bangladesh Communist Party (pro-Soviet), Saifuddin Ahmed MANIK; National Awami Party (Muzaffar); Workers Party, leader NA; Jatiyo Samajtantik Dal (National Socialist Party--SIRAJ), M. A. JALIL; Ganotantri Party, leader NA; Islami Oikya Jote, leader NA; National Democratic Party, leader NA; Muslim League, Khan A. SABUR; Democratic League, Khondakar MUSHTAQUE Ahmed; United People's Party, Kazi ZAFAR Ahmed _#_Suffrage: universal at age 18 _#_Elections: President--last held 8 October 1991 (next to be held by October 1996); results--Abdur Rahman BISWAS received 52.1% of parliamentary vote National Parliament--last held 27 February 1991 (next to be held February 1996); results--percent of vote by party NA; seats--(330 total, 300 elected and 30 seats reserved for women) BNP 168, AL 93, JP 35, JI 20, CBP 5, National Awami Party (Muzaffar) 1, Workers Party 1, SIRAJ 1, Ganotantri Party 1, Islami Oikya Jote 1, NDP 1, independents 3 _#_Communists: 5,000 members (1987 est.) _#_Member of: AsDB, C, CCC, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ISO, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OIC, SAARC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIIMOG, UPU, WHO, WFTU, WIPO, WCL, WMO, WTO _#_Diplomatic representation: Ambassador A. H. S. Ataul KARIM; Chancery at 2201 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington DC 20007; telephone (202) 342-8372 through 8376; there is a Bangladesh Consulate General in New York; US--Ambassador William B. MILAM; Embassy at Diplomatic Enclave, Madani Avenue, Baridhara, Dhaka (mailing address is G. P. O. Box 323, Dhaka 1212); telephone [880] (2) 884700-22 _#_Flag: green with a large red disk slightly to the hoist side of center; green is the traditional color of Islam _*_Economy _#_Overview: Bangladesh is one of the poorest nations in the world. The economy is based on the output of a narrow range of agricultural products, such as jute, which is the main cash crop and major source of export earnings. Bangladesh is hampered by a relative lack of natural resources, population growth of more than 2% a year, large-scale unemployment, and a limited infrastructure; furthermore, it is highly vulnerable to natural disasters. Despite these constraints, real GDP growth averaged about 3.5% annually during 1985-89. A strong agricultural performance in FY90 pushed the growth rate up to 5.5%. Alleviation of poverty remains the cornerstone of the government's development strategy. _#_GDP: $20.4 billion, per capita $180; real growth rate 4.0% (1990 est.) _#_Inflation rate (consumer prices): 10% (FY90 est.) _#_Unemployment rate: 30% (FY90 est.) _#_Budget: revenues $2.2 billion; expenditures $3.9 billion, including capital expenditures of $1.6 billion (FY90) _#_Exports: $1.5 billion (FY90 est.); commodities--jute, tea, leather, shrimp, textiles; partners--US 25%, Western Europe 22%, Middle East 9%, Japan 8%, Eastern Europe 7% _#_Imports: $3.6 billion (FY90 est.); commodities--food, petroleum and other energy, nonfood consumer goods, semiprocessed goods, and capital equipment; partners--Western Europe 18%, Japan 14%, Middle East 9%, US 8% _#_External debt: $10.9 billion (FY90 est.) _#_Industrial production: growth rate 4.1% (FY90 est.); accounts for 15% of GDP _#_Electricity: 1,990,000 kW capacity; 5,700 million kWh produced, 50 kWh per capita (1990) _#_Industries: jute manufacturing, base metals, food processing, cotton textiles, tobacco processing, chemicals _#_Agriculture: accounts for about 40% of GDP, 60% of employment, and one third of exports; imports 10% of food grain requirements; world's largest exporter of jute; commercial products--jute, rice, wheat, tea, sugarcane, potatoes, beef, milk, poultry; shortages include wheat, vegetable oils and cotton; fish catch 778,000 metric tons in 1986 _#_Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $3.4 billion; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1980-88), $10.6 billion; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $652 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $1.5 billion _#_Currency: taka (plural--taka); 1 taka (Tk) = 100 paise _#_Exchange rates: taka (Tk) per US$1--35.790 (January 1991), 34.567 (1990), 32.270 (1989), 31.733 (1988), 30.950 (1987), 30.407 (1986), 27.995 (1985) _#_Fiscal year: 1 July-30 June _*_Communications _#_Railroads: 2,892 km total (1986); 1,914 km 1.000 meter gauge, 978 km 1.676 meter broad gauge _#_Highways: 7,240 km total (1985); 3,840 km paved, 3,400 km unpaved _#_Inland waterways: 5,150-8,046 km navigable waterways (includes 2,575-3,058 km main cargo routes) _#_Ports: Chittagong, Chalna _#_Merchant marine: 47 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 339,081 GRT/500,008 DWT; includes 38 cargo, 2 petroleum, oils, and lubricants (POL) tanker, 3 refrigerated cargo, 1 roll-on/roll-off, 3 bulk _#_Pipelines: 1,220 km natural gas _#_Civil air: 15 major transport aircraft _#_Airports: 16 total, 12 usable; 12 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 4 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 6 with runways 1,220-2,439 m _#_Telecommunications: adequate international radio communications and landline service; fair domestic wire and microwave service; fair broadcast service; 241,250 telephones; stations--9 AM, 6 FM, 11 TV; 2 Indian Ocean INTELSAT satellite earth stations _*_Defense Forces _#_Branches: Army, Navy, Air Force; paramilitary forces--Bangladesh Rifles, Bangladesh Ansars, Armed Police Reserve, Coastal Police _#_Manpower availability: males 15-49, 28,896,632; 17,154,593 fit for military service _#_Defense expenditures: $319 million, 1.5% of GDP (FY91) _%_ _@_Barbados _*_Geography _#_Total area: 430 km2; land area: 430 km2 _#_Comparative area: slightly less than 2.5 times the size of Washington, DC _#_Land boundaries: none _#_Coastline: 97 km _#_Maritime claims: Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm; Territorial sea: 12 nm _#_Climate: tropical; rainy season (June to October) _#_Terrain: relatively flat; rises gently to central highland region _#_Natural resources: crude oil, fishing, natural gas _#_Land use: arable land 77%; permanent crops 0%; meadows and pastures 9%; forest and woodland 0%; other 14% _#_Environment: subject to hurricanes (especially June to October) _#_Note: easternmost Caribbean island _*_People _#_Population: 254,626 (July 1991), growth rate 0.1% (1991) _#_Birth rate: 16 births/1,000 population (1991) _#_Death rate: 9 deaths/1,000 population (1991) _#_Net migration rate: - 6 migrants/1,000 population (1991) _#_Infant mortality rate: 23 deaths/1,000 live births (1991) _#_Life expectancy at birth: 70 years male, 76 years female (1991) _#_Total fertility rate: 1.8 children born/woman (1991) _#_Nationality: noun--Barbadian(s); adjective--Barbadian _#_Ethnic divisions: African 80%, mixed 16%, European 4% _#_Religion: Protestant 67% (Anglican 40%, Pentecostal 8%, Methodist 7%, other 12%), Roman Catholic 4%; none 17%, unknown 3%, other 9% (1980) _#_Language: English _#_Literacy: 99% (male 99%, female 99%) age 15 and over having ever attended school (1970) _#_Labor force: 112,300; services and government 37%; commerce 22%; manufacturing and construction 22%; transportation, storage, communications, and financial institutions 9%; agriculture 8%; utilities 2% (1985 est.) _#_Organized labor: 32% of labor force _*_Government _#_Long-form name: none _#_Type: parliamentary democracy _#_Capital: Bridgetown _#_Administrative divisions: 11 parishes; Christ Church, Saint Andrew, Saint George, Saint James, Saint John, Saint Joseph, Saint Lucy, Saint Michael, Saint Peter, Saint Philip, Saint Thomas; note--there may be a new city of Bridgetown _#_Independence: 30 November 1966 (from UK) _#_Constitution: 30 November 1966 _#_Legal system: English common law; no judicial review of legislative acts _#_National holiday: Independence Day, 30 November (1966) _#_Executive branch: British monarch, governor general, prime minister, deputy prime minister, Cabinet _#_Legislative branch: bicameral Parliament consists of an upper house or Senate and a lower house or House of Assembly _#_Judicial branch: Supreme Court of Judicature _#_Leaders: Chief of State--Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Governor General Sir Hugh SPRINGER (since 24 February 1984); Head of Government--Prime Minister Lloyd Erskine SANDIFORD (since 2 June 1987) _#_Political parties and leaders: Democratic Labor Party (DLP), Erskine SANDIFORD; Barbados Labor Party (BLP), Henry FORDE; National Democratic Party (NDP), Richie HAYNES _#_Suffrage: universal at age 18 _#_Elections: House of Assembly--last held 22 January 1991 (next to be held by January 1996); results--DLP 49.8%; seats--(28 total) DLP 18, BLP 10 _#_Communists: negligible _#_Other political or pressure groups: Industrial and General Workers Union, Sir Frank WALCOTT; People's Progressive Movement, Eric SEALY; Workers' Party of Barbados, Dr. George BELLE _#_Member of: ACP, C, CARICOM, CDB, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, GATT, IADB, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ISO (correspondent), ITU, LAES, LORCS, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO _#_Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Sir William DOUGLAS; Chancery at 2144 Wyoming Avenue NW, Washington DC 20008; telephone (202) 939-9200 through 9202; there is a Barbadian Consulate General in New York and a Consulate in Los Angeles; US--Ambassador G. Philip HUGHES; Embassy at Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce Building, Broad Street, Bridgetown (mailing address is P. O. Box 302, Bridgetown or FPO Miami 34054); telephone (809) 436-4950 through 4957 _#_Flag: three equal vertical bands of blue (hoist side), yellow, and blue with the head of a black trident centered on the gold band; the trident head represents independence and a break with the past (the colonial coat of arms contained a complete trident) _*_Economy _#_Overview: A per capita income of $6,500 gives Barbados one of the highest standards of living of all the small island states of the eastern Caribbean. Historically, the economy was based on the cultivation of sugarcane and related activities. In recent years, however, the economy has diversified into manufacturing and tourism. The tourist industry is now a major employer of the labor force and a primary source of foreign exchange. An unemployment rate of 18% remains one of the most serious economic problems facing the country. _#_GDP: $1.7 billion, per capita $6,500; real growth rate 3.6% (1989 est.) _#_Inflation rate (consumer prices): 6.2% (1989) _#_Unemployment: 18% (1990) _#_Budget: revenues $501 million; expenditures $484 million, including capital expenditures of $113 million (FY91) _#_Exports: $165 million (f.o.b., 1990 est.); commodities--sugar and molasses, chemicals, electrical components, clothing, rum, machinery and transport equipment; partners: CARICOM 30%, US 20%, UK 20% _#_Imports: $701 million (c.i.f., 1990 est.); commodities--foodstuffs, consumer durables, raw materials, machinery, crude oil, construction materials, chemicals; partners--US 35%, CARICOM 13%, UK 12%, Japan 6%, Canada 8%, Venezuela 4% _#_External debt: $550 million (June 1990 est.) _#_Industrial production: growth rate - 1.5% (1989); accounts for 14 % of GDP _#_Electricity: 132,000 kW capacity; 494 million kWh produced, 1,880 kWh per capita (1990) _#_Industries: tourism, sugar, light manufacturing, component assembly for export _#_Agriculture: accounts for 10% of GDP; major cash crop is sugarcane; other crops--vegetables and cotton; not self-sufficient in food _#_Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $15 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-88), $169 million _#_Currency: Barbadian dollars (plural--dollars); 1 Barbadian dollar (Bds$) = 100 cents _#_Exchange rates: Barbadian dollars (Bds$) per US$1--2.0113 (fixed rate) _#_Fiscal year: 1 April-31 March _*_Communications _#_Highways: 1,570 km total; 1,475 km paved, 95 km gravel and earth _#_Ports: Bridgetown _#_Merchant marine: 2 cargo ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 3,200 GRT/7,338 DWT _#_Civil air: 2 major transport aircraft _#_Airports: 1 with permanent-surface runways 2,440-3,659 m _#_Telecommunications: islandwide automatic telephone system with 89,000 telephones; tropospheric scatter link to Trinidad and Saint Lucia; stations--3 AM, 2 FM, 2 (1 is pay) TV; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station _*_Defense Forces _#_Branches: Royal Barbados Defense Force, Coast Guard, Royal Barbados Police Force _#_Manpower availability: males 15-49, 69,038; 48,455 fit for military service, no conscription _#_Defense expenditures: $10 million, 0.7% of GDP (1989) _%_ _@_Bassas da India (French possession) _*_Geography _#_Total area: undetermined _#_Comparative area: undetermined _#_Land boundaries: none _#_Coastline: 35.2 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 _#_Disputes: claimed by Madagascar _#_Climate: tropical _#_Terrain: a volcanic rock 2.4 m high _#_Natural resources: none _#_Land use: arable land 0%; permanent crops 0%; meadows and pastures 0%; forest and woodland 0%; other (rock) 100% _#_Environment: surrounded by reefs; subject to periodic cyclones _#_Note: navigational hazard since it is usually under water during high tide; located in southern Mozambique Channel about halfway between Africa and Madagascar _*_People _#_Population: uninhabited _*_Government _#_Long-form name: none _#_Type: French possession administered by Commissioner of the Republic Daniel CONSTANTIN, resident in Reunion _*_Economy _#_Overview: no economic activity _*_Communications _#_Ports: none; offshore anchorage only _*_Defense Forces _#_Note: defense is the responsibility of France _%_ _@_Belgium _*_Geography _#_Total area: 30,510 km2; land area: 30,230 km2 _#_Comparative area: slightly larger than Maryland _#_Land boundaries: 1,385 km total; France 620 km, Germany 167 km, Luxembourg 148 km, Netherlands 450 km _#_Coastline: 64 km _#_Maritime claims: Continental shelf: not specific; Exclusive fishing zone: equidistant line with neighbors (extends about 68 km from coast); Territorial sea: 12 nm _#_Climate: temperate; mild winters, cool summers; rainy, humid, cloudy _#_Terrain: flat coastal plains in northwest, central rolling hills, rugged mountains of Ardennes Forest in southeast _#_Natural resources: coal, natural gas _#_Land use: arable land 24%; permanent crops 1%; meadows and pastures 20%; forest and woodland 21%; other 34%, includes irrigated NEGL% _#_Environment: air and water pollution _#_Note: majority of West European capitals within 1,000 km of Brussels; crossroads of Western Europe; Brussels is the seat of the EC _*_People _#_Population: 9,921,910 (July 1991), growth rate 0.1% (1991) _#_Birth rate: 12 births/1,000 population (1991) _#_Death rate: 11 deaths/1,000 population (1991) _#_Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1991) _#_Infant mortality rate: 6 deaths/1,000 live births (1991) _#_Life expectancy at birth: 74 years male, 81 years female (1991) _#_Total fertility rate: 1.6 children born/woman (1991) _#_Nationality: noun--Belgian(s); adjective--Belgian _#_Ethnic divisions: Fleming 55%, Walloon 33%, mixed or other 12% _#_Religion: Roman Catholic 75%, remainder Protestant or other _#_Language: Flemish (Dutch) 56%, French 32%, German 1%; legally bilingual 11%; divided along ethnic lines _#_Literacy: 99% (male NA%, female NA%) age 15 and over can read and write (1980 est.) _#_Labor force: 4,200,000; services 69%, industry 28%, agriculture 3% (1988) _#_Organized labor: 70% of labor force _*_Government _#_Long-form name: Kingdom of Belgium _#_Type: constitutional monarchy _#_Capital: Brussels _#_Administrative divisions: 9 provinces (French--provinces, singular--province; Flemish--provincien, singular--provincie); Antwerpen, Brabant, Hainaut, Liege, Limburg, Luxembourg, Namur, Oost-Vlaanderen, West-Vlaanderen _#_Independence: 4 October 1830 (from the Netherlands) _#_Constitution: 7 February 1831, last revised 8-9 August 1980; the government is in the process of revising the Constitution, with the aim of federalizing the Belgian state _#_Legal system: civil law system influenced by English constitutional theory; judicial review of legislative acts; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations _#_National holiday: National Day, 21 July (ascension of King Leopold to the throne in 1831) _#_Executive branch: monarch, prime minister, five deputy prime ministers, Cabinet _#_Legislative branch: bicameral Parliament consists of an upper chamber or Senate (Flemish--Senaat, French--Senat) and a lower chamber or Chamber of Representatives (Flemish--Kamer van Volksvertegenwoordigers, French--Chambre des Representants) _#_Judicial branch: Supreme Court of Justice (Flemish--Hof van Cassatie, French--Cour de Cassation) _#_Leaders: Chief of State--King BAUDOUIN I (since 17 July 1951); Heir Apparent Prince ALBERT of Liege (brother of the King; born 6 June 1934); Head of Government--Prime Minister Wilfried MARTENS, (since April 1979, with a 10-month interruption in 1981) _#_Political parties and leaders: Flemish Social Christian (CVP), Herman van ROMPUY, president; Walloon Social Christian (PSC), Gerard DEPREZ, president; Flemish Socialist (SP), Frank VANDENBROUCKE, president; Walloon Socialist (PS), Guy SPITAELS, president; Flemish Liberal (PVV), Guy VERHOFSTADT, president; Walloon Liberal (PRL), Antoine DUQUESNE, president; Francophone Democratic Front (FDF), Georges CLERFAYT, president; Volksunie (VU), Jaak GABRIELS, president; Communist Party (PCB), Louis van GEYT, president; Vlaams Blok (VB), Karel DILLEN; other minor parties _#_Suffrage: universal and compulsory at age 18 _#_Elections: Senate--last held 13 December 1987 (next to be held by January 1992); results--CVP 19.2%, PS 15.7%, SP 14.7%, PVV 11.3%, PRL 9.3%, VU 8.1%, PSC 7.8%, ECOLO-AGALEV 7.7%, VB 2.0%, VDF 1.3%, other 1.96%; seats--(106 total) CVP 22, PS 20, SP 17, PRL 12, PVV 11, PSC 9, VU 8, ECOLO-AGALEV 5, VB 1, FDF 1; Chamber of Representatives--last held 13 December 1987 (next to be held by January 1992); results--CVP 19.45%, PS 15.66%, SP 14.88%, PVV 11.55%, PRL 9.41%, PSC 8.01%, VU 8.05%, ECOLO-AGALEV 7.05%, VB 1.90%, FDF 1.16%, other 2.88%; seats--(212 total) CVP 43, PS 40, SP 32, PVV 25, PRL 23, PSC 19, VU 16, ECOLO-AGALEV 9, FDF 3, VB 2 _#_Communists: under 5,000 members (December 1985 est.) _#_Other political or pressure groups: Christian and Socialist Trade Unions; Federation of Belgian Industries; numerous other associations representing bankers, manufacturers, middle-class artisans, and the legal and medical professions; various organizations represent the cultural interests of Flanders and Wallonia; various peace groups such as the Flemish Action Committee Against Nuclear Weapons and Pax Christi _#_Member of: ACCT, AfDB, AG (observer), AsDB, Benelux, BIS, CCC, CE, CERN, COCOM, CSCE, EBRD, EC, ECE, EIB, ESA, FAO, G-9, G-10, GATT, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, LORCS, NATO, NEA, OAS (observer), OECD, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMOGIP, UNRWA, UPU, WCL, WEU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO _#_Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Juan CASSIERS; Chancery at 3330 Garfield Street NW, Washington DC 20008; telephone (202) 333-6900; there are Belgian Consulates General in Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, and New York; US--Ambassador Maynard W. GLITMAN; Embassy at 27 Boulevard du Regent, B-1000 Brussels (mailing address is APO New York 09667-1000); telephone [32] (2) 513-3830; there is a US Consulate General in Antwerp _#_Flag: three equal vertical bands of black (hoist side), yellow, and red; the design was based on the flag of France _*_Economy _#_Overview: This small private-enterprise economy has capitalized on its central geographic location, highly developed transport network, and diversified industrial and commercial base. Industry is concentrated mainly in the populous Flemish area in the north, although the government is encouraging reinvestment in the southern region of Walloon. With few natural resources Belgium must import essential raw materials, making its economy closely dependent on the state of world markets. Over 70% of trade is with other EC countries. During the period 1988-90 Belgium's economic performance was marked by buoyant output growth, moderate inflation, and a substantial external surplus. Real GDP grew by an average of 3.9% in 1988-90. However, the economy is likely to slow in 1991-92 to below 3% GDP growth. _#_GDP: $144.8 billion, per capita $14,600; real growth rate 3.3% (1990) _#_Inflation rate (consumer prices): 3% (1991 est.) _#_Unemployment rate: 8.2% est. (1991 est.) _#_Budget: revenues $45.0 billion; expenditures $55.3 billion, including capital expenditures of NA (1989) _#_Exports: $106 billion (f.o.b., 1990 est.) Belgium-Luxembourg Economic Union; commodities--iron and steel, transportation equipment, tractors, diamonds, petroleum products; partners--EC 74%, US 5%, Communist countries 2% (1989) _#_Imports: $108 billion (c.i.f., 1989) Belgium-Luxembourg Economic Union; commodities--fuels, grains, chemicals, foodstuffs; partners--EC 73%, US 4%, oil-exporting less developed countries 4%, Communist countries 3% (1989) _#_External debt: $28.8 billion (1990 est.) _#_Industrial production: growth rate 1.3% (1991 est.); accounts for almost 30% of GDP _#_Electricity: 17,325,000 kW capacity; 62,780 million kWh produced, 6,350 kWh per capita (1989) _#_Industries: engineering and metal products, processed food and beverages, chemicals, basic metals, textiles, glass, petroleum, coal _#_Agriculture: accounts for 2% of GDP; emphasis on livestock production--beef, veal, pork, milk; major crops are sugar beets, fresh vegetables, fruits, grain, and tobacco; net importer of farm products _#_Economic aid: donor--ODA and OOF commitments (1970-89), $5.8 billion _#_Currency: Belgian franc (plural--francs); 1 Belgian franc (BF) = 100 centimes _#_Exchange rates: Belgian francs (BF) per US$1--31.102 (January 1991), 33.418 (1990), 39.404 (1989), 36.768 (1988), 37.334 (1987), 44.672 (1986), 59.378 (1985) _#_Fiscal year: calendar year _*_Communications _#_Railroads: Belgian National Railways (SNCB) operates 3,667 km 1.435-meter standard gauge, government owned; 2,563 km double track; 1,978 km electrified; 191 km 1.000-meter gauge, government owned and operated _#_Highways: 103,396 km total; 1,317 km limited access, divided autoroute; 11,717 km national highway; 1,362 km provincial road; about 38,000 km paved and 51,000 km unpaved rural roads _#_Inland waterways: 2,043 km (1,528 km in regular commercial use) _#_Ports: Antwerp, Brugge, Gent, Oostende, Zeebrugge _#_Merchant marine: 69 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 1,785,066 GRT/2,927,618 DWT; includes 12 cargo, 6 roll-on/roll-off, 6 container, 7 petroleum, oils, and lubricants (POL) tanker, 9 liquefied gas, 3 combination ore/oil, 9 chemical tanker, 11 bulk, 6 combination bulk _#_Pipelines: refined products 1,167 km; crude 161 km; natural gas 3,300 km _#_Civil air: 47 major transport aircraft _#_Airports: 42 total, 42 usable; 24 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 14 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 3 with runways 1,220-2,439 m _#_Telecommunications: excellent domestic and international telephone and telegraph facilities; 4,720,000 telephones; stations--8 AM, 19 FM (42 relays), 25 TV (10 relays); 5 submarine cables; satellite earth stations operating in INTELSAT 3 Atlantic Ocean and EUTELSAT systems _*_Defense Forces _#_Branches: Army, Navy, Air Force, National Gendarmerie _#_Manpower availability: males 15-49, 2,521,178; 2,115,935 fit for military service; 64,634 reach military age (19) annually _#_Defense expenditures: $4.8 billion, 2.5% of GDP (1990) _%_ _@_Belize _*_Geography _#_Total area: 22,960 km2; land area: 22,800 km2 _#_Comparative area: slightly larger than Massachusetts _#_Land boundaries: 516 km total; Guatemala 266 km, Mexico 250 km _#_Coastline: 386 km _#_Maritime claims: Territorial sea: 3 nm _#_Disputes: claimed by Guatemala, but boundary negotiations to resolve dispute are nearing completion _#_Climate: tropical; very hot and humid; rainy season (May to February) _#_Terrain: flat, swampy coastal plain; low mountains in south _#_Natural resources: arable land potential, timber, fish _#_Land use: arable land 2%; permanent crops NEGL%; meadows and pastures 2%; forest and woodland 44%; other 52%, includes irrigated NEGL% _#_Environment: frequent devastating hurricanes (September to December) and coastal flooding (especially in south); deforestation _#_Note: national capital moved 80 km inland from Belize City to Belmopan because of hurricanes; only country in Central America without a coastline on the North Pacific Ocean _*_People _#_Population: 228,069 (July 1991), growth rate 3.6% (1991) _#_Birth rate: 38 births/1,000 population (1991) _#_Death rate: 5 deaths/1,000 population (1991) _#_Net migration rate: 4 migrants/1,000 population (1991) _#_Infant mortality rate: 35 deaths/1,000 live births (1991) _#_Life expectancy at birth: male 67 years, female 72 years (1991) _#_Total fertility rate: 4.7 children born/woman (1991) _#_Nationality: noun--Belizean(s); adjective--Belizean _#_Ethnic divisions: Creole 39.7%, Mestizo 33.1%, Maya 9.5%, Garifuna 7.6%, East Indian 2.1%, other 8.0% _#_Religion: Roman Catholic 62%, Protestant 30% (Anglican 12%, Methodist 6%, Mennonite 4%, Seventh-Day Adventist 3%, Pentecostal 2%, Jehovah's Witnesses 1%, other 2%), none 2%, unknown 3%, other 3% (1980) _#_Language: English (official), Spanish, Maya, Garifuna (Carib) _#_Literacy: 91% (male 91%, female 91%) age 15 and over having ever attended school (1970) _#_Labor force: 51,500; agriculture 30.0%, services 16.0%, government 15.4%, commerce 11.2%, manufacturing 10.3%; shortage of skilled labor and all types of technical personnel (1985) _#_Organized labor: 12% of labor force; 7 unions currently active _*_Government _#_Long-form name: none _#_Type: parliamentary democracy _#_Capital: Belmopan _#_Administrative divisions: 6 districts; Belize, Cayo, Corozal, Orange Walk, Stann Creek, Toledo _#_Independence: 21 September 1981 (from UK; formerly British Honduras) _#_Constitution: 21 September 1981 _#_Legal system: English law _#_National holiday: Independence Day, 21 September _#_Executive branch: British monarch, governor general, prime minister, deputy prime minister, Cabinet _#_Legislative branch: bicameral National Assembly consists of an upper house or Senate and a lower house or House of Representatives _#_Judicial branch: Supreme Court _#_Leaders: Chief of State--Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Governor General Dame Elmira Minita GORDON (since 21 September 1981); Head of Government--Prime Minister George Cadle PRICE (since 4 September 1989) _#_Political parties and leaders: People's United Party (PUP), George PRICE, Florencio MARIN, Said MUSA; United Democratic Party (UDP), Manuel ESQUIVEL, Dean LINDO, Dean BARROW; Belize Popular Party (BPP), Louis SYLVESTRE _#_Suffrage: universal at age 18 _#_Elections: National Assembly--last held 4 September 1989 (next to be held September 1994); results--percent of vote by party NA; seats--(28 total) PUP 15 seats, UDP 13 seats; note--in January 1990 one member expelled from UDP joined PUP, making the seat count 16 PUP, UDP 12 _#_Communists: negligible _#_Other political or pressure groups: Society for the Promotion of Education and Research (SPEAR) headed by former PUP minister; United Workers Front _#_Member of: ACP, C, CARICOM, CDB, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, GATT, IBRD, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, (observer), ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAS, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WMO _#_Diplomatic representation: Ambassador James V. HYDE; Chancery at Suite 2J, 3400 International Drive NW, Washington DC 20008; telephone (202) 363-4505; US--Ambassador Eugene L. SCASSA; Embassy at Gabourel Lane and Hutson Street, Belize City (mailing address is P. O. Box 286, Belize City); telephone [501] 77161 through 77163 _#_Flag: blue with a narrow red stripe along the top and the bottom edges; centered is a large white disk bearing the coat of arms; the coat of arms features a shield flanked by two workers in front of a mahogany tree with the related motto SUB UMBRA FLOREO (I Flourish in the Shade) on a scroll at the bottom, all encircled by a green garland _*_Economy _#_Overview: The economy is based primarily on agriculture and merchandising. Agriculture accounts for more than 30% of GDP and provides 75% of export earnings, while sugar, the chief crop, accounts for almost 40% of hard currency earnings. The US, Belize's main trading partner, is assisting in efforts to reduce dependency on sugar with an agricultural diversification program. _#_GDP: $290 million, per capita $1,320; real growth rate 9% (1990 est.) _#_Inflation rate (consumer prices): 1.8% (1990 est.) _#_Unemployment rate: 12% (1988) _#_Budget: revenues $87.4 million; expenditures $130.5 million, including capital expenditures of $53.5 million (FY90 est.) _#_Exports: $108 million (f.o.b., 1990 est.); commodities--sugar, clothing, seafood, molasses, citrus, wood and wood products; partners--US 47%, UK, Trinidad and Tobago, Canada (1987) _#_Imports: $204 million (c.i.f., 1990 est.); commodities--machinery and transportation equipment, food, manufactured goods, fuels, chemicals, pharmaceuticals; partners--US 55%, UK, Netherlands Antilles, Mexico (1987) _#_External debt: $169 million (December 1990) _#_Industrial production: growth rate 9.7% (1989); accounts for 16% of GDP _#_Electricity: 34,700 kW capacity; 90 million kWh produced, 410 kWh per capita (1990) _#_Industries: garment production, citrus concentrates, sugar refining, rum, beverages, tourism _#_Agriculture: accounts for 30% of GDP (including fish and forestry); commercial crops include sugarcane, bananas, coca, citrus fruits; expanding output of lumber and cultured shrimp; net importer of basic foods _#_Illicit drugs: an illicit producer of cannabis for the international drug trade; eradication program cut marijuana production from 200 metric tons in 1987 to 66 metric tons in 1989; transshipment point for cocaine _#_Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $104 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-88), $199 million _#_Currency: Belizean dollar (plural--dollars); 1 Belizean dollar (Bz$) = 100 cents _#_Exchange rates: Belizean dollars (Bz$) per US$1--2.00 (fixed rate) _#_Fiscal year: 1 April-31 March _*_Communications _#_Highways: 2,710 km total; 500 km paved, 1,600 km gravel, 300 km improved earth, and 310 km unimproved earth _#_Inland waterways: 825 km river network used by shallow-draft craft; seasonally navigable _#_Ports: Belize City; additional ports for shallow draught craft include Corozol, Punta Gorda, Big Creek _#_Civil air: no major transport aircraft _#_Airports: 42 total, 32 usable; 3 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 2,439 m; 2 with runways 1,220-2,439 m _#_Telecommunications: 8,650 telephones; above-average system based on radio relay; stations--6 AM, 5 FM, 1 TV, 1 shortwave; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station _*_Defense Forces _#_Branches: British Forces Belize, Belize Defense Force (including Army, Navy, Air Force, and Volunteer Guard), Belize National Police _#_Manpower availability: males 15-49, 53,184; 31,790 fit for military service; 2,545 reach military age (18) annually _#_Defense expenditures: $4.8 million, 1.8% of GDP (1990 est.) _%_ _@_Benin _*_Geography _#_Total area: 112,620 km2; land area: 110,620 km2 _#_Comparative area: slightly smaller than Pennsylvania _#_Land boundaries: 1,989 km total; Burkina 306 km, Niger 266 km, Nigeria 773 km, Togo 644 km _#_Coastline: 121 km _#_Maritime claims: Territorial sea: 200 nm _#_Climate: tropical; hot, humid in south; semiarid in north _#_Terrain: mostly flat to undulating plain; some hills and low mountains _#_Natural resources: small offshore oil deposits, limestone, marble, timber _#_Land use: arable land 12%; permanent crops 4%; meadows and pastures 4%; forest and woodland 35%; other 45%, includes irrigated NEGL% _#_Environment: hot, dry, dusty harmattan wind may affect north in winter; deforestation; desertification _#_Note: recent droughts have severely affected marginal agriculture in north; no natural harbors _*_People _#_Population: 4,831,823 (July 1991), growth rate 3.3% (1991) _#_Birth rate: 49 births/1,000 population (1991) _#_Death rate: 16 deaths/1,000 population (1991) _#_Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1991) _#_Infant mortality rate: 119 deaths/1,000 live births (1991) _#_Life expectancy at birth: 49 years male, 52 years female (1991) _#_Total fertility rate: 7.0 children born/woman (1991) _#_Nationality: noun--Beninese (sing., pl.); adjective--Beninese _#_Ethnic divisions: African 99% (42 ethnic groups, most important being Fon, Adja, Yoruba, Bariba); Europeans 5,500 _#_Religion: indigenous beliefs 70%, Muslim 15%, Christian 15% _#_Language: French (official); Fon and Yoruba most common vernaculars in south; at least six major tribal languages in north _#_Literacy: 23% (male 32%, female 16%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) _#_Labor force: 1,900,000 (1987); agriculture 60%, transport, commerce, and public services 38%, industry less than 2%; 49% of population of working age (1985) _#_Organized labor: about 75% of wage earners _*_Government _#_Long-form name: Republic of Benin _#_Type: dropped Marxism-Leninism December 1989; democratic reforms adopted February 1990; transition to multiparty system completed 4 April 1991 _#_Capital: Porto-Novo (official), Cotonou (de facto) _#_Administrative divisions: 6 provinces; Atakora, Atlantique, Borgou, Mono, Oueme, Zou _#_Independence: 1 August 1960 (from France; formerly Dahomey) _#_Constitution: 2 December 1990 _#_Legal system: based on French civil law and customary law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction _#_National holiday: National Day, 1 August (1990) _#_Executive branch: president, cabinet _#_Legislative branch: unicameral National Assembly (Assemblee Nationale) _#_Judicial branch: Supreme Court (Cour Supreme) _#_Leaders: Chief of State and Head of Government--President Nicephore SOGLO (since 4 April 1991) _#_Political parties and leaders: the People's Revolutionary Party of Benin (PRPB) headed by President Mathieu KEREKOU, chairman of the Central Committee, was dissolved 30 April 1990; Alliance of the Democratic Union for the Forces of Progress (UDFP), Timothee ADANLIN; Movement for Democracy and Social Progress (MDPS), Jean-Roger AHOYO; and the Union for Liberty and Development (ULD), Marcellin DEGBE; Alliance of the National Party for Democracy and Development (PNDD) and the Democratic Renewal Party (PRD), Pascal Chabi KAO; Alliance of the Social Democratic Party (PSD) and the National Union for Solidarity and Progress (UNSP), Bruno AMOUSSOU; Our Common Cause (NCC), Albert TEVEODJRE; National Rally for Democracy (RND), Joseph KEKE; Alliance of the National Movement for Democracy and Development (MNDD); Movement for Solidarity, Union, and Progress (MSUP); and Union for Democracy and National Reconstruction (UDRN), Bertin BORNA; Union for Democracy and National Solidarity (UDS), Mama Amadou N'DIAYE; Assembly of Liberal Democrats for National Reconstruction (RDL), Severin ADJOVI; Alliance of the Alliance for Social Democracy (ASD) and Bloc for Social Democracy (BSD), Robert DOSSOU; Alliance of the Alliance for Democracy and Progress (ADP) and Democratic Union for Social Renewal (UDRS), Bio Gado Seko N'GOYE; National Union for Democracy and Progress (UNDP), Robert TAGNON; numerous other small parties _#_Suffrage: universal at age 18 _#_Elections: President--last held 10 and 24 March 1991 (next to be held March 1996); results--Nicephore SOGLO 68%, Mathieu KEREKOU 32%; National Assembly--last held 10 and 24 March 1991 (next to be held March 1996); results--NA percent of the vote; seats--(64 total) UDFP-MDPS-ULD 12, PNDD/PRD 9, PSD/UNSP 8, NCC 7, RND 7, MNDD/MSUP/UDRN 6, UDS 5, RDL 4, ASD/BSD 3, ADP/UDRS 2, UNDP 1 _#_Communists: Communist Party of Dahomey (PCD) remains active _#_Member of: ACCT, ACP, AfDB, CEAO, ECA, ECOWAS, Entente, FAO, FZ, G-77, GATT, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU, OIC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WADB, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO _#_Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Candide AHOUANSOU; Charge d'Affaires Corneille MEHISSOU; Chancery at 2737 Cathedral Avenue NW, Washington DC 20008; telephone (202) 232-6656; US--Ambassador Harriet ISOM; Embassy at Rue Caporal Anani Bernard, Cotonou (mailing address is B. P. 2012, Cotonou); telephone [229] 30-06-50 _#_Flag: two equal horizontal bands of yellow (top) and red with a vertical green band on the hoist side _*_Economy _#_Overview: Benin is one of the least developed countries in the world because of limited natural resources and a poorly developed infrastructure. Agriculture accounts for almost 40% of GDP, employs about 60% of the labor force, and generates a major share of foreign exchange earnings. The industrial sector contributes only about 15% to GDP and employs 2% of the work force. Persistently low prices in recent years have limited hard currency earnings from Benin's major exports of agricultural products and crude oil. _#_GDP: $2.0 billion, per capita $400; real growth rate 2.6% (1990) _#_Inflation rate (consumer prices): 3.0% (1990) _#_Unemployment: NA% _#_Budget: revenues $194 million; expenditures $390 million, including capital expenditures of $104 million (1990 est.) _#_Exports: $250 million (f.o.b., 1989 est.); commodities--crude oil, cotton, palm products, cocoa; partners--FRG 36%, France 16%, Spain 14%, Italy 8%, UK 4% _#_Imports: $442 million (f.o.b., 1990 est.); commodities--foodstuffs, beverages, tobacco, petroleum products, intermediate goods, capital goods, light consumer goods; partners--France 34%, Netherlands 10%, Japan 7%, Italy 6%, US 4% _#_External debt: $1.0 billion (December 1990 est.) _#_Industrial production: growth rate - 0.7% (1988); accounts for 30% of GDP _#_Electricity: 28,000 kW capacity; 24 million kWh produced, 5 kWh per capita (1989) _#_Industries: textiles,cigarettes, construction materials, beverages, food production, petroleum _#_Agriculture: small farms produce 90% of agricultural output; production is dominated by food crops--corn, sorghum, cassava, beans, and rice; cash crops include cotton, palm oil, and peanuts; poultry and livestock output has not kept up with consumption _#_Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $46 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-88), $1.1 billion; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $19 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $101 million _#_Currency: Communaute Financiere Africaine franc (plural--francs); 1 CFA franc (CFAF) = 100 centimes _#_Exchange rates: Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (CFAF) per US$1--256.54 (January 1991), 272.26 (1990), 319.01 (1989), 297.85 (1988), 300.54 (1987), 346.30 (1986), 449.26 (1985) _#_Fiscal year: calendar year _*_Communications _#_Railroads: 578 km, all 1.000-meter gauge, single track _#_Highways: 5,050 km total; 920 km paved, 2,600 laterite, 1,530 km improved earth _#_Inland waterways: navigable along small sections, important only locally _#_Ports: Cotonou _#_Civil air: 3 major transport aircraft _#_Airports: 6 total, 4 usable; 1 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 2,439 m; 4 with runways 1,220-2,439 m _#_Telecommunications: fair system of open wire, submarine cable, and radio relay; 16,200 telephones; stations--2 AM, 2 FM, 1 TV; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT satellite earth station _*_Defense Forces _#_Branches: People's Armed Forces (including Army, Navy, Air Force), National Gendarmerie, People's Militia, Presidential Guard _#_Manpower availability: eligible 15-49, 2,089,646; of the 991,278 males 15-49, 507,482 are fit for military service; of the 1,098,368 females 15-49, 554,454 are fit for military service; about 57,106 males and 55,297 females reach military age (18) annually; both sexes are liable for military service _#_Defense expenditures: $38 million, 2.3% of GDP (1988) _%_ _@_Bermuda (dependent territory of the UK) _*_Geography _#_Total area: 50 km2; land area: 50 km2 _#_Comparative area: about 0.3 times the size of Washington, DC _#_Land boundaries: none _#_Coastline: 103 km _#_Maritime claims: Exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm; Territorial sea: 12 nm _#_Climate: subtropical; mild, humid; gales, strong winds common in winter _#_Terrain: low hills separated by fertile depressions _#_Natural resources: limestone, pleasant climate fostering tourism _#_Land use: arable land 0%; permanent crops 0%; meadows and pastures 0%; forest and woodland 20%; other 80% _#_Environment: ample rainfall, but no rivers or freshwater lakes; consists of about 360 small coral islands _#_Note: 1,050 km east of North Carolina; some reclaimed land leased by US Government _*_People _#_Population: 58,433 (July 1991), growth rate 1.5% (1991) _#_Birth rate: 15 births/1,000 population (1991) _#_Death rate: 7 deaths/1,000 population (1991) _#_Net migration rate: 7 migrants/1,000 population (1991) _#_Infant mortality rate: 12 deaths/1,000 live births (1991) _#_Life expectancy at birth: 72 years male, 78 years female (1991) _#_Total fertility rate: 1.7 children born/woman (1991) _#_Nationality: noun--Bermudian(s); adjective--Bermudian _#_Ethnic divisions: black 61%, white and other 39% _#_Religion: Anglican 37%, Roman Catholic 14%, African Methodist Episcopal (Zion) 10%, Methodist 6%, Seventh-Day Adventist 5%, other 28% _#_Language: English _#_Literacy: 98% (male 98%, female 99%) age 15 and over can read and write (1970) _#_Labor force: 32,000; clerical 25%, services 22%, laborers 21%, professional and technical 13%, administrative and managerial 10%, sales 7%, agriculture and fishing 2% (1984) _#_Organized labor: 8,573 members (1985); largest union is Bermuda Industrial Union _*_Government _#_Long-form name: none _#_Type: dependent territory of the UK _#_Capital: Hamilton _#_Administrative divisions: 9 parishes and 2 municipalities*; Devonshire, Hamilton, Hamilton*, Paget, Pembroke, Saint George*, Saint George's, Sandys, Smiths, Southampton, Warwick _#_Independence: none (dependent territory of the UK) _#_Constitution: 8 June 1968 _#_Legal system: English law _#_National holiday: Bermuda Day, 22 May _#_Executive branch: British monarch, governor, deputy governor, premier, deputy premier, Executive Council (cabinet) _#_Legislative branch: bicameral Parliament consists of an upper house or Senate and a lower house or House of Assembly _#_Judicial branch: Supreme Court _#_Leaders: Chief of State--Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Governor Sir Desmond LANGLEY (since NA October 1988); Head of Government--Premier John William David SWAN (since NA January 1982) _#_Political parties and leaders: United Bermuda Party (UBP), John W. D. SWAN; Progressive Labor Party (PLP), Frederick WADE; National Liberal Party (NLP), Gilbert DARRELL _#_Suffrage: universal at age 21 _#_Elections: House of Assembly--last held 9 February 1989 (next to be held by February 1994); results--percent of vote by party NA; seats--(40 total) UBP 23, PLP 15, NLP 1, other 1 _#_Communists: negligible _#_Other political or pressure groups: Bermuda Industrial Union (BIU), headed by Ottiwell SIMMONS _#_Member of: CARICOM (observer), ICFTU, IOC _#_Diplomatic representation: as a dependent territory of the UK, Bermuda's interests in the US are represented by the UK; US--Consul General L. Ebersole GAINES; Consulate General at Crown Hill, 16 Middle Road, Devonshire, Hamilton (mailing address is P. O. Box HM325, Hamilton HMBX, or FPO New York 09560-5300); telephone (809) 295-1342 _#_Flag: red with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and the Bermudian coat of arms (white and blue shield with a red lion holding a scrolled shield showing the sinking of the ship Sea Venture off Bermuda in 1609) centered on the outer half of the flag _*_Economy _#_Overview: Bermuda enjoys one of the highest per capita incomes in the world, having successfully exploited its location by providing luxury tourist facilities and financial services. The tourist industry attracts more than 90% of its business from North America. The industrial sector is small, and agriculture is severely limited by a lack of suitable land. About 80% of food needs are imported. _#_GDP: $1.3 billion, per capita $22,400; real growth rate 2.0% (1989 est.) _#_Inflation rate (consumer prices): 5.8% (June 1989) _#_Unemployment: 2.0% (1988) _#_Budget: revenues $307 million; expenditures $275 million, including capital expenditures of $31 million (FY90 est.) _#_Exports: $30 million (f.o.b., FY88); commodities--semitropical produce, light manufactures; partners--US 25%, Italy 25%, UK 14%, Canada 5%, other 31% _#_Imports: $420 million (c.i.f., FY88); commodities--fuel, foodstuffs, machinery; partners--US 58%, Netherlands Antilles 9%, UK 8%, Canada 6%, Japan 5%, other 14% _#_External debt: NA _#_Industrial production: growth rate NA% _#_Electricity: 154,000 kW capacity; 504 million kWh produced, 8,640 kWh per capita (1990) _#_Industries: tourism, finance, structural concrete products, paints, pharmaceuticals, ship repairing _#_Agriculture: accounts for less than 1% of GDP; most basic foods must be imported; produces bananas, vegetables, citrus fruits, flowers, dairy products _#_Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-81), $34 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-88), $267 million _#_Currency: Bermudian dollar (plural--dollars); 1 Bermudian dollar (Bd$) = 100 cents _#_Exchange rates: Bermudian dollar (Bd$) per US$1--1.0000 (fixed rate) _#_Fiscal year: 1 April-31 March _*_Communications _#_Highways: 210 km public roads, all paved (about 400 km of private roads) _#_Ports: Freeport, Hamilton, Saint George _#_Merchant marine: 84 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 3,826,756 GRT/6,932,981 DWT; includes 3 short-sea passenger, 8 cargo, 7 refrigerated cargo, 4 container, 8 roll-on/roll-off, 26 petroleum, oils, and lubricants (POL) tanker, 11 liquefied gas, 17 bulk; note--a flag of convenience registry _#_Civil air: 16 major transport aircraft _#_Airports: 1 with permanent-surface runways 2,440-3,659 m _#_Telecommunications: modern with fully automatic telephone system; 52,670 telephones; stations--5 AM, 3 FM, 2 TV; 3 submarine cables; 2 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth stations _*_Defense Forces _#_Branches: Bermuda Regiment, Bermuda Police Force, Reserve Constabulary _#_Note: defense is the responsibility of the UK _%_ _@_Bhutan _*_Geography _#_Total area: 47,000 km2; land area: 47,000 km2 _#_Comparative area: slightly more than half the size of Indiana _#_Land boundaries: 1,075 km total; China 470 km, India 605 km _#_Coastline: none--landlocked _#_Maritime claims: none--landlocked _#_Climate: varies; tropical in southern plains; cool winters and hot summers in central valleys; severe winters and cool summers in Himalayas _#_Terrain: mostly mountainous with some fertile valleys and savanna _#_Natural resources: timber, hydropower, gypsum, calcium carbide, tourism potential _#_Land use: arable land 2%; permanent crops NEGL%; meadows and pastures 5%; forest and woodland 70%; other 23% _#_Environment: violent storms coming down from the Himalayas were the source of the country name which translates as Land of the Thunder Dragon _#_Note: landlocked; strategic location between China and India; controls several key Himalayan mountain passes _*_People _#_Population: 1,598,216 (July 1991), growth rate 2.0% (1991) _#_Birth rate: 37 births/1,000 population (1991) _#_Death rate: 17 deaths/1,000 population (1991) _#_Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1991) _#_Infant mortality rate: 135 deaths/1,000 live births (1991) _#_Life expectancy at birth: 50 years male, 48 years female (1991) _#_Total fertility rate: 4.9 children born/woman (1991) _#_Nationality: noun--Bhutanese (sing., pl.); adjective--Bhutanese _#_Ethnic divisions: Bhote 60%, ethnic Nepalese 25%, indigenous or migrant tribes 15% _#_Religion: Lamaistic Buddhism 75%, Indian- and Nepalese-influenced Hinduism 25% _#_Language: Bhotes speak various Tibetan dialects--most widely spoken dialect is Dzongkha (official); Nepalese speak various Nepalese dialects _#_Literacy: NA% (male NA%, female NA%) _#_Labor force: NA; agriculture 93%, services 5%, industry and commerce 2%; massive lack of skilled labor _#_Organized labor: not permitted _*_Government _#_Long-form name: Kingdom of Bhutan _#_Type: monarchy; special treaty relationship with India _#_Capital: Thimphu _#_Administrative divisions: 18 districts (dzongkhag, singular and plural); Bumthang, Chhukha, Chirang, Daga, Geylegphug, Ha, Lhuntshi, Mongar, Paro, Pemagatsel, Punakha, Samchi, Samdrup Jongkhar, Shemgang, Tashigang, Thimphu, Tongsa, Wangdi Phodrang _#_Independence: 8 August 1949 (from India) _#_Constitution: no written constitution or bill of rights _#_Legal system: based on Indian law and English common law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction _#_National holiday: National Day (Ugyen Wangchuck became first hereditary king), 17 December (1907) _#_Executive branch: monarch, chairman of the Royal Advisory Council, Royal Advisory Council (Lodoi Tsokde), chairman of the Council of Ministers, Council of Ministers (Lhengye Shungtsog) _#_Legislative branch: unicameral National Assembly (Tshogdu) _#_Judicial branch: High Court _#_Leaders: Chief of State and Head of Government--King Jigme Singye WANGCHUCK (since 24 July 1972) _#_Political parties: no legal parties _#_Suffrage: each family has one vote in village-level elections _#_Elections: no national elections _#_Communists: no overt Communist presence _#_Other political or pressure groups: Buddhist clergy, Indian merchant community; ethnic Nepalese organizations leading militant antigovernment campaign _#_Member of: AsDB, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFAD, IMF, IOC, ITU, NAM, SAARC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO _#_Diplomatic representation: no formal diplomatic relations, although informal contact is maintained between the Bhutanese and US Embassies in New Delhi (India); the Bhutanese mission to the UN in New York has consular jurisdiction in the US _#_Flag: divided diagonally from the lower hoist side corner; the upper triangle is orange and the lower triangle is red; centered along the dividing line is a large black and white dragon facing away from the hoist side _*_Economy _#_Overview: The economy, one of the world's least developed, is based on agriculture and forestry, which provide the main livelihood for 90% of the population and account for about 50% of GDP. Rugged mountains dominate the terrain and make the building of roads and other infrastructure difficult and expensive. The economy is closely aligned with that of India through strong trade and monetary links. Low wages in industry lead most Bhutanese to stay in agriculture. Most development projects, such as road construction, rely on Indian migrant labor. Bhutan's hydropower potential and its attraction for tourists are its most important natural resources. _#_GDP: $273 million, per capita $199 (1988) real growth rate 4% (1989 est.) _#_Inflation rate (consumer prices): 9% (1990 est.) _#_Unemployment: NA _#_Budget: revenues $99 million; expenditures $128 million, including capital expenditures of $65 million (FY89 est.) _#_Exports: $70.9 million (f.o.b., FY89); commodities--cardamon, gypsum, timber, handicrafts, cement, fruit; partners--India 93% _#_Imports: $138.3 million (c.i.f., FY89 est.); commodities--fuel and lubricants, grain, machinery and parts, vehicles, fabrics; partners--India 67% _#_External debt: $70.1 million (FY89 est.) _#_Industrial production: growth rate - 12.4% (1988 est.); accounts for 18% of GDP _#_Electricity: 353,000 kW capacity; 2,000 million kWh produced, 1,280 kWh per capita (1990) _#_Industries: cement, wood products, processed fruits, alcoholic beverages, calcium carbide _#_Agriculture: accounts for 50% of GDP; based on subsistence farming and animal husbandry; self-sufficient in food except for foodgrains; other production--rice, corn, root crops, citrus fruit, dairy, and eggs _#_Economic aid: Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-88), $86.0 million; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $11 million _#_Currency: ngultrum (plural--ngultrum); 1 ngultrum (Nu) = 100 chetrum; note--Indian currency is also legal tender _#_Exchange rates: ngultrum (Nu) per US$1--18.329 (January 1991), 17.504 (1990), 16.226 (1989), 13.917 (1988), 12.962 (1987), 12.611 (1986), 12.369 (1985); note--the Bhutanese ngultrum is at par with the Indian rupee _#_Fiscal year: 1 July-30 June _*_Communications _#_Highways: 1,304 km total; 418 km surfaced, 515 km improved, 371 km unimproved earth _#_Civil air: 1 jet, 2 prop _#_Airports: 2 total, 2 usable; 1 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 2,439 m; 2 with runways 1,220-2,439 m _#_Telecommunications: inadequate; 1,990 telephones (1988); 22,000 radios (1990 est.); 85 TVs (1985); stations--1 AM, 1 FM, no TV (1990) _*_Defense Forces _#_Branches: Royal Bhutan Army, Palace Guard, Militia _#_Manpower availability: males 15-49, 398,263; 213,083 fit for military service; 17,321 reach military age (18) annually _#_Defense expenditures: $NA, NA% of GDP _%_ _@_Bolivia _*_Geography _#_Total area: 1,098,580 km2; land area: 1,084,390 km2 _#_Comparative area: slightly less than three times the size of Montana _#_Land boundaries: 6,743 km total; Argentina 832 km, Brazil 3,400 km, Chile 861 km, Paraguay 750 km, Peru 900 km _#_Coastline: none--landlocked _#_Maritime claims: none--landlocked _#_Disputes: has wanted a sovereign corridor to the South Pacific Ocean since the Atacama area was lost to Chile in 1884; dispute with Chile over Rio Lauca water rights _#_Climate: varies with altitude; humid and tropical to cold and semiarid _#_Terrain: high plateau, hills, lowland plains _#_Natural resources: tin, natural gas, crude oil, zinc, tungsten, antimony, silver, iron ore, lead, gold, timber _#_Land use: arable land 3%; permanent crops NEGL%; meadows and pastures 25%; forest and woodland 52%; other 20%; includes irrigated NEGL% _#_Environment: cold, thin air of high plateau is obstacle to efficient fuel combustion; overgrazing; soil erosion; desertification _#_Note: landlocked; shares control of Lago Titicaca, world's highest navigable lake, with Peru _*_People _#_Population: 7,156,591 (July 1991), growth rate 2.4% (1991) _#_Birth rate: 34 births/1,000 population (1991) _#_Death rate: 9 deaths/1,000 population (1991) _#_Net migration rate: - 1 migrant/1,000 population (1991) _#_Infant mortality rate: 83 deaths/1,000 live births (1991) _#_Life expectancy at birth: 59 years male, 64 years female (1991) _#_Total fertility rate: 4.6 children born/woman (1991) _#_Nationality: noun--Bolivian(s); adjective Bolivian _#_Ethnic divisions: Quechua 30%, Aymara 25%, mixed 25-30%, European 5-15% _#_Religion: Roman Catholic 95%; active Protestant minority, especially Evangelical Methodist _#_Language: Spanish, Quechua, and Aymara (all official) _#_Literacy: 78% (male 85%, female 71%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) _#_Labor force: 1,700,000; agriculture 50%, services and utilities 26%, manufacturing 10%, mining 4%, other 10% (1983) _#_Organized labor: 150,000-200,000, concentrated in mining, industry, construction, and transportation; mostly organized under Bolivian Workers' Central (COB) labor federation _*_Government _#_Long-form name: Republic of Bolivia _#_Type: republic _#_Capital: La Paz (seat of government); Sucre (legal capital and seat of judiciary) _#_Administrative divisions: 9 departments (departamentos, singular--departamento); Chuquisaca, Cochabamba, El Beni, La Paz, Oruro, Pando, Potosi, Santa Cruz, Tarija _#_Independence: 6 August 1825 (from Spain) _#_Constitution: 2 February 1967 _#_Legal system: based on Spanish law and Code Napoleon; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction _#_National holiday: Independence Day, 6 August (1825) _#_Executive branch: president, vice president, Cabinet _#_Legislative branch: bicameral National Congress (Congreso Nacional) consists of an upper chamber or Chamber of Senators (Camara de Senadores) and a lower chamber or Chamber of Deputies (Camara de Diputados) _#_Judicial branch: Supreme Court (Corte Suprema) _#_Leaders: Chief of State and Head of Government--President Jaime PAZ Zamora (since 6 August 1989); Vice President Luis OSSIO Sanjines (since 6 August 1989) _#_Political parties and leaders: Movement of the Revolutionary Left (MIR), Jaime PAZ Zamora; Nationalist Democratic Action (ADN), Hugo BANZER Suarez; Nationalist Revolutionary Movement (MNR), Gonzalo SANCHEZ de Lozada; Christian Democratic Party (PDC), Jorge AGREDO; Free Bolivia Movement (MBL), led by Antonio ARANIBAR; United Left (IU), a coalition of leftist parties which includes Patriotic National Convergency Axis (EJE-P) led by Walter DELGADILLO, and Bolivian Communist Party (PCB) led by Humberto RAMIREZ; Conscience of the Fatherland (CONDEPA), Carlos PALENQUE Aviles; Revolutionary Vanguard-9th of April (VR-9), Carlos SERRATE Reich; Civic Union Solidarity (UCS), Max FERNANDEZ _#_Suffrage: universal and compulsory at age 18 (married) or 21 (single) _#_Elections: President--last held 7 May 1989 (next to be held May 1993); results--Gonzalo SANCHEZ de Lozada (MNR) 23%, Hugo BANZER Suarez (ADN) 22%, Jaime PAZ Zamora (MIR) 19%; no candidate received a majority of the popular vote; Jaime PAZ Zamora (MIR) formed a coalition with Hugo BANZER (ADN); with ADN support PAZ Zamora won the congressional runoff election on 4 August and was inaugurated on 6 August 1989; Senate--last held 7 May 1989 (next to be held May 1993); results--percent of vote NA; seats (27 total) MNR 9, ADN 7, MIR 8, CONDEPA 2, PDC 1; Chamber of Deputies--last held 7 May 1989 (next to be held May 1993); results--percent of vote by party NA; seats (130 total) MNR 40, ADN 35, MIR 33, IU 10, CONDEPA 9, PDC 3 _#_Member of: AG, ECLAC, FAO, G-11, G-77, GATT, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICO, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ITU, LAES, LAIA, LORCS, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, PCA, RG, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WMO, WTO _#_Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Jorge CRESPO; Chancery at 3014 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington DC 20008; telephone (202) 483-4410 through 4412; there are Bolivian Consulates General in Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, and San Francisco; US--Ambassador Robert S. GELBARD; Embassy at Banco Popular del Peru Building, corner of Calles Mercado y Colon, La Paz (mailing address is P. O. Box 425, La Paz, or APO Miami 34032); telephone [591] (2) 350251 or 350120 _#_Flag: three equal horizontal bands of red (top), yellow, and green with the coat of arms centered on the yellow band; similar to the flag of Ghana, which has a large black five-pointed star centered in the yellow band _*_Economy _#_Overview: The Bolivian economy steadily deteriorated between 1980 and 1985 as La Paz financed growing budget deficits by expanding the money supply and inflation spiraled--peaking at 11,700%. An austere orthodox economic program adopted by newly elected President Paz Estenssoro in 1985, however, succeeded in reducing inflation to between 10% and 20% annually since 1987, eventually restarting economic growth. President Paz Zamora has retained the economic policies of the previous government, keeping inflation down and continuing the moderate growth begun under his predecessor. Nevertheless, Bolivia continues to be one of the poorest countries in Latin America, and it remains vulnerable to price fluctuations for its limited exports--agricultural products, minerals, and natural gas. Moreover, for many farmers, who constitute half of the country's work force, the main cash crop is coca, which is sold for cocaine processing. _#_GDP: $4.85 billion, per capita $690; real growth rate 2.7% (1990) _#_Inflation rate (consumer prices): 18% (1990) _#_Unemployment rate: 21.5% (1990 est.) _#_Budget: revenues $2.5 billion; expenditures $2.8 billion, including capital expenditures of $850 million (1990 est.) _#_Exports: $927 million (f.o.b., 1990); commodities--metals 45%, natural gas 30%, other 25% (coffee, soybeans, sugar, cotton, timber); partners--US 15%, Argentina _#_Imports: $716 million (c.i.f., 1990); commodities--food, petroleum, consumer goods, capital goods; partners--US 22% _#_External debt: $3.7 billion (December 1990) _#_Industrial production: growth rate 5% (1990); accounts for almost 30% of GDP _#_Electricity: 833,000 kW capacity; 1,763 million kWh produced, 260 kWh per capita (1990) _#_Industries: mining, smelting, petroleum, food and beverage, tobacco, handicrafts, clothing; illicit drug industry reportedly produces significant revenues _#_Agriculture: accounts for about 20% of GDP (including forestry and fisheries); principal commodities--coffee, coca, cotton, corn, sugarcane, rice, potatoes, timber; self-sufficient in food _#_Illicit drugs: world's second-largest producer of coca (after Peru) with an estimated 51,900 hectares under cultivation; government considers all but 12,000 hectares illicit; intermediate coca products and cocaine exported to or through Colombia and Brazil to the US and other international drug markets _#_Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $990 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-88), $1.7 billion; Communist countries (1970-89), $340 million _#_Currency: boliviano (plural--bolivianos); 1 boliviano ($B) = 100 centavos _#_Exchange rates: bolivianos ($B) per US$1--3.3732 (December 1990), 3.1727 (1990), 2.6917 (1989), 2.3502 (1988), 2.0549 (1987), 1.9220 (1986), 0.4400 (1985) _#_Fiscal year: calendar year _*_Communications _#_Railroads: 3,675 km total; 3,643 km 1.000-meter gauge and 32 km 0.760-meter gauge, all government owned, single track _#_Highways: 38,836 km total; 1,300 km paved, 6,700 km gravel, 30,836 km improved and unimproved earth _#_Inland waterways: 10,000 km of commercially navigable waterways _#_Pipelines: crude oil 1,800 km; refined products 580 km; natural gas 1,495 km _#_Ports: none; maritime outlets are Arica and Antofagasta in Chile and Matarani in Peru _#_Merchant marine: 2 cargo ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 14,051 GRT/22,155 DWT _#_Civil air: 56 major transport aircraft _#_Airports: 807 total, 659 usable; 9 with permanent-surface runways; 1 with runways over 3,659 m; 8 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 120 with runways 1,220-2,439 m _#_Telecommunications: radio relay system being expanded; improved international services; 144,300 telephones; stations--129 AM, no FM, 43 TV, 68 shortwave; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station _*_Defense Forces _#_Branches: Bolivian Army, Bolivian Navy (including Marines), Bolivian Air Force, National Police Force _#_Manpower availability: males 15-49, 1,679,352; 1,091,368 fit for military service; 72,979 reach military age (19) annually _#_Defense expenditures: $162 million, 4% of GNP (1988 est.) _%_ _@_Botswana _*_Geography _#_Total area: 600,370 km2; land area: 585,370 km2 _#_Comparative area: slightly smaller than Texas _#_Land boundaries: 4,013 km total; Namibia 1,360 km, South Africa 1,840 km, Zimbabwe 813 km _#_Coastline: none--landlocked _#_Maritime claims: none--landlocked _#_Disputes: short section of the boundary with Namibia is indefinite; quadripoint with Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe is in disagreement _#_Climate: semiarid; warm winters and hot summers _#_Terrain: predominately flat to gently rolling tableland; Kalahari Desert in southwest _#_Natural resources: diamonds, copper, nickel, salt, soda ash, potash, coal, iron ore, silver, natural gas _#_Land use: arable land 2%; permanent crops 0%; meadows and pastures 75%; forest and woodland 2%; other 21%; includes irrigated NEGL% _#_Environment: rains in early 1988 broke six years of drought that had severely affected the important cattle industry; overgrazing; desertification _#_Note: landlocked _*_People _#_Population: 1,258,392 (July 1991), growth rate 2.7% (1991) _#_Birth rate: 36 births/1,000 population (1991) _#_Death rate: 9 deaths/1,000 population (1991) _#_Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1991) _#_Infant mortality rate: 43 deaths/1,000 live births (1991) _#_Life expectancy at birth: 59 years male, 65 years female (1991) _#_Total fertility rate: 4.6 children born/woman (1991) _#_Nationality: noun and adjective--Motswana (singular), Batswana (plural) _#_Ethnic divisions: Batswana 95%; Kalanga, Basarwa, and Kgalagadi about 4%; white about 1% _#_Religion: indigenous beliefs 50%, Christian 50% _#_Language: English (official), Setswana _#_Literacy: 23% (male 32%, female 16%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) _#_Labor force: 400,000; 182,200 formal sector employees, most others are engaged in cattle raising and subsistence agriculture (1988 est.); 19,000 are employed in various mines in South Africa (1988) _#_Organized labor: 19 trade unions _*_Government _#_Long-form name: Republic of Botswana _#_Type: parliamentary republic _#_Capital: Gaborone _#_Administrative divisions: 10 districts; Central, Chobe, Ghanzi, Kgalagadi, Kgatleng, Kweneng, Ngamiland, North-East, South-East, Southern; note--in addition, there may now be 4 town councils named Francistown, Gaborone, Lobaste, Selebi-Pikwe _#_Independence: 30 September 1966 (from UK; formerly Bechuanaland) _#_Constitution: March 1965, effective 30 September 1966 _#_Legal system: based on Roman-Dutch law and local customary law; judicial review limited to matters of interpretation; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction _#_National holiday: Botswana Day, 30 September (1966) _#_Executive branch: president, vice president, Cabinet _#_Legislative branch: bicameral National Assembly consists of an upper house or House of Chiefs and a lower house or National Assembly _#_Judicial branch: High Court, Court of Appeal _#_Leaders: Chief of State and Head of Government--President Quett K. J. MASIRE (since 13 July 1980); Vice President Peter S. MMUSI (since 3 January 1983) _#_Political parties and leaders: Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), Quett MASIRE; Botswana National Front (BNF), Kenneth KOMA; Botswana People's Party (BPP), Knight MARIPE; Botswana Independence Party (BIP), Motsamai MPHO _#_Suffrage: universal at age 21 _#_Elections: President--last held 7 October 1989 (next to be held October 1994); results--President Quett K. J. MASIRE was reelected by the National Assembly; National Assembly--last held 7 October 1989 (next to be held October 1994); results--percent of vote by party NA; seats--(38 total, 34 elected) BDP 35, BNF 3 _#_Communists: no known Communist organization; Kenneth Koma of BNF has long history of Communist contacts _#_Member of: ACP, AfDB, C, CCC, ECA, FAO, FLS, G-77, GATT, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU, SACU, SADCC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WHO, WMO _#_Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Botsweletse Kingsley SEBELE; Chancery at Suite 404, 4301 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington DC 20008; telephone (202) 244-4990 or 4991; US--Ambassador David PASSAGE; Embassy at Botswana Road, Gaborone (mailing address is P. O. Box 90, Gaborone); telephone [267] 353-982 through 353-984 _#_Flag: light blue with a horizontal white-edged black stripe in the center _*_Economy _#_Overview: The economy has historically been based on cattle raising and crops. Agriculture today provides a livelihood for over 80% of the population, but produces only about 50% of food needs and contributes a small 3% to GDP. The driving force behind the rapid economic growth of the 1970s and 1980s has been the mining industry. This sector, mostly on the strength of diamonds, has gone from generating 25% of GDP in 1980 to over 50% in 1989. No other sector has experienced such growth, especially not agriculture, which is plagued by erratic rainfall and poor soils. The unemployment rate remains a problem at 25%. _#_GDP: $3.1 billion, per capita $2,500; real growth rate 6.3% (1990) _#_Inflation rate (consumer prices): 12.0% (1990) _#_Unemployment rate: 25% (1989) _#_Budget: revenues $1,719 million; expenditures $1,792 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (FY92 est.) _#_Exports: $1.8 billion (f.o.b., 1990 est.); commodities--diamonds 77%, copper and nickel 12%, meat 4%, cattle, animal products; partners--Switzerland, UK, US, SACU (Southern African Customs Union) _#_Imports: $1.7 billion (c.i.f., 1990 est.); commodities--foodstuffs, vehicles and transport equipment, textiles, petroleum products; partners--Switzerland, SACU (Southern African Customs Union), UK, US _#_External debt: $780 million (December 1990 est.) _#_Industrial production: growth rate 16.8% (FY86); accounts for about 57% of GDP, including mining _#_Electricity: 217,000 kW capacity; 630 million kWh produced, 510 kWh per capita (1989) _#_Industries: mining of diamonds, copper, nickel, coal, salt, soda ash, potash; livestock processing _#_Agriculture: accounts for only 3% of GDP; subsistence farming predominates; cattle raising supports 50% of the population; must import large share of food needs _#_Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $257 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-88), $1.8 billion; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $43 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $29 million _#_Currency: pula (plural--pula); 1 pula (P) = 100 thebe _#_Exchange rates: pula (P) per US$1--1.8720 (January 1991), 1.8601 (1990), 2.0125 (1989), 1.8159 (1988), 1.6779 (1987), 1.8678 (1986), 1.8882 (1985) _#_Fiscal year: 1 April-31 March _*_Communications _#_Railroads: 712 km 1.0 67-meter gauge _#_Highways: 11,514 km total; 1,600 km paved; 1,700 km crushed stone or gravel, 5,177 km improved earth, 3,037 km unimproved earth _#_Civil air: 6 major transport aircraft _#_Airports: 100 total, 87 usable; 8 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 2 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 26 with runways 1,220-2,439 m _#_Telecommunications: the small system is a combination of open-wire lines, radio relay links, and a few radiocommunication stations; 17,900 telephones; stations--2 AM, 3 FM, no TV; 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT earth station _*_Defense Forces _#_Branches: Botswana Defense Force (including Army and Air Wing), Botswana National Police _#_Manpower availability: males 15-49, 260,290; 137,038 fit for military service; 14,767 reach military age (18) annually _#_Defense expenditures: $99 million, 8.2% of GNP (1989) _%_ _@_Bouvet Island (territory of Norway) _*_Geography _#_Total area: 58 km2; land area: 58 km2 _#_Comparative area: about 0.3 times the size of Washington, DC _#_Land boundaries: none _#_Coastline: 29.6 km _#_Maritime claims: Territorial sea: 4 nm _#_Climate: antarctic _#_Terrain: volcanic; maximum elevation about 800 meters; coast is mostly inacessible _#_Natural resources: none _#_Land use: arable land 0%; permanent crops 0%; meadows and pastures 0%; forest and woodland 0%; other 100% (ice) _#_Environment: covered by glacial ice _#_Note: located in the South Atlantic Ocean 2,575 km south-southwest of the Cape of Good Hope, South Africa _*_People _#_Population: uninhabited _*_Government _#_Long-form name: none _#_Type: territory of Norway _*_Economy _#_Overview: no economic activity _*_Communications _#_Ports: none; offshore anchorage only _#_Telecommunications: automatic meteorological station _*_Defense Forces _#_Note: defense is the responsibility of Norway _%_ _@_Brazil _*_Geography _#_Total area: 8,511,965 km2; land area: 8,456,510 km2; includes Arquipelago de Fernando de Noronha, Atol das Rocas, Ilha da Trindade, Ilhas Martin Vaz, and Penedos de Sao Pedro e Sao Paulo _#_Comparative area: slightly smaller than the US _#_Land boundaries: 14,691 km total; Argentina 1,224 km, Bolivia 3,400 km, Colombia 1,643 km, French Guiana 673 km, Guyana 1,119 km, Paraguay 1,290 km, Peru 1,560 km, Suriname 597 km, Uruguay 985 km, Venezuela 2,200 km _#_Coastline: 7,491 km _#_Maritime claims: Continental shelf: 200 m (depth) or to depth of exploitation; Exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm; Territorial sea: 200 nm _#_Disputes: short section of the boundary with Paraguay (just west of Guaira Falls on the Rio Parana) is in dispute; two short sections of boundary with Uruguay are in dispute (Arroyo de la Invernada area of the Rio Quarai and the islands at the confluence of the Rio Quarai and the Uruguay); has noted possible Latin claims in Antarctica _#_Climate: mostly tropical, but temperate in south _#_Terrain: mostly flat to rolling lowlands in north; some plains, hills, mountains, and narrow coastal belt _#_Natural resources: iron ore, manganese, bauxite, nickel, uranium, phosphates, tin, hydropower, gold, platinum, crude oil, timber _#_Land use: arable land 7%; permanent crops 1%; meadows and pastures 19%; forest and woodland 67%; other 6%; includes irrigated NEGL% _#_Environment: recurrent droughts in northeast; floods and frost in south; deforestation in Amazon basin; air and water pollution in Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo _#_Note: largest country in South America; shares common boundaries with every South American country except Chile and Ecuador _*_People _#_Population: 155,356,073 (July 1991), growth rate 1.8% (1991) _#_Birth rate: 26 births/1,000 population (1991) _#_Death rate: 7 deaths/1,000 population (1991) _#_Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1991) _#_Infant mortality rate: 68 deaths/1,000 live births (1991) _#_Life expectancy at birth: 62 years male, 68 years female (1991) _#_Total fertility rate: 3.1 children born/woman (1991) _#_Nationality: noun--Brazilian(s); adjective--Brazilian _#_Ethnic divisions: Portuguese, Italian, German, Japanese, black, Amerindian; white 55%, mixed 38%, black 6%, other 1% _#_Religion: Roman Catholic (nominal) 90% _#_Language: Portuguese (official), Spanish, English, French _#_Literacy: 81% (male 82%, female 80%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) _#_Labor force: 57,000,000 (1989 est.); services 42%, agriculture 31%, industry 27% _#_Organized labor: 13,000,000 dues paying members (1989 est.) _*_Government _#_Long-form name: Federative Republic of Brazil _#_Type: federal republic _#_Capital: Brasilia _#_Administrative divisions: 26 states (estados, singular--estado) and 1 federal district* (distrito federal); Acre, Alagoas, Amapa, Amazonas, Bahia, Ceara, Distrito Federal*, Espirito Santo, Goias, Maranhao, Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul, Minas Gerais, Para, Paraiba, Parana, Pernambuco, Piaui, Rio de Janeiro, Rio Grande do Norte, Rio Grande do Sul, Rondonia, Roraima, Santa Catarina, Sao Paulo, Sergipe, Tocantins; note--the former territories of Amapa and Roraima became states in January 1991 _#_Independence: 7 September 1822 (from Portugal) _#_Constitution: 5 October 1988 _#_Legal system: based on Latin codes; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction _#_National holiday: Independence Day, 7 September (1822) _#_Executive branch: president, vice president, Cabinet _#_Legislative branch: bicameral National Congress (Congresso Nacional) consists of an upper chamber or Federal Senate (Senado Federal) and a lower chamber or Chamber of Deputies (Camara dos Deputados) _#_Judicial branch: Supreme Federal Tribunal _#_Leaders: Chief of State and Head of Government--President Fernando Affonso COLLOR de Mello (since 15 March 1990); Vice President Itamar FRANCO (since 15 March 1990) _#_Political parties and leaders: National Reconstruction Party (PRN), Daniel TOURINHO, president; Brazilian Democratic Movement Party (PMDB), Orestes QUERCIA, president; Liberal Front Party (PFL), Hugo NAPOLEAO, president; Workers' Party (PT), Luis Ignacio (Lula) da SILVA, president; Brazilian Labor Party (PTB), Luiz GONZAGA de Paiva Muniz, president; Democratic Labor Party (PDT), Leonel BRIZOLA, president; Democratic Social Party (PDS), Amaral NETTO, president; Brazilian Social Democracy Party (PSDB), Mario COVAS, president; Brazilian Communist Party (PCB), Salomao MALINA, secretary general; Communist Party of Brazil (PCdoB), Joao AMAZONAS, president; Christian Democratic Party (PDC), Eduardo CAMPOS, president _#_Suffrage: voluntary at age 16; compulsory between ages 18 and 70; voluntary at age 70 _#_Elections: President--last held 15 November 1989, with runoff on 17 December 1989 (next to be held November 1994); results--Fernando COLLOR de Mello 53%, Luis Inacio da SILVA 47%; note--first free, direct presidential election since 1960; Senate--last held 3 October 1990 (next to be held November 1994); results--percent of vote by party NA; seats--(81 total as of 3 February 1991) PMDB 27, PFL 15, PSDB 10, PTB 8, PDT 5, other 16; Chamber of Deputies--last held 3 October 1990 (next to be held November 1994); results--PMDB 21%, PFL 17%, PDT 9%, PDS 8%, PRN 7.9%, PTB 7%, PT 7%, other 23.1%; seats--(503 total as of 3 February 1991) PMDB 108, PFL 87, PDT 46, PDS 43, PRN 40, PTB 35, PT 35, other 109; _#_Communists: about 30,000 _#_Other political or pressure groups: left wing of the Catholic Church and labor unions allied to leftist Worker's Party are critical of government's social and economic policies _#_Member of: AfDB, AG (observer), CCC, ECLAC, FAO, G-11, G-19, G-24, G-77, GATT, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO, ITU, LAES, LAIA, LORCS, NAM (observer), OAS, OPANAL, PCA, RG, UN, UNAVEM, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO _#_Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Marcilio Marques MOREIRA; Chancery at 3006 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington DC 20008; telephone (202) 745-2700; there are Brazilian Consulates General in Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, and New York, and Consulates in Dallas, Houston, and San Francisco; US--Ambassador Richard MELTON; Embassy at Avenida das Nocoes, Lote 3, Brasilia, Distrito Federal (mailing address is APO Miami 34030); telephone [55] (6) 321-7272; there are US Consulates General in Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo, and Consulates in Porto Alegre and Recife _#_Flag: green with a large yellow diamond in the center bearing a blue celestial globe with 23 white five-pointed stars (one for each state) arranged in the same pattern as the night sky over Brazil; the globe has a white equatorial band with the motto ORDEM E PROGRESSO (Order and Progress) _*_Economy _#_Overview: The economy, with large agrarian, mining, and manufacturing sectors, entered the 1990s with declining real growth, runaway inflation, an unserviceable foreign debt of $122 billion, and a lack of policy direction. In addition, the economy remained highly regulated, inward-looking, and protected by substantial trade and investment barriers. Ownership of major industrial and mining facilities is divided among private interests--including several multinationals--and the government. Most large agricultural holdings are private, with the government channeling financing to this sector. Conflicts between large landholders and landless peasants have produced intermittent violence. The government is seeking an IMF standby loan despite several failed agreements over the past decade. Relations with foreign commercial banks remain strained because of mounting interest arrears on Brazil's long-term debt. The Collor government, which assumed office in March 1990, is embarked on an ambitious reform program that seeks to modernize and reinvigorate the economy by stabilizing prices, deregulating the economy, and opening it to increased foreign competition. A major long-run strength is Brazil's vast natural resources. _#_GDP: $388 billion, per capita $2,540; real growth rate - 4.6% (1990) _#_Inflation rate (consumer prices): 1,795% (December 1990) _#_Unemployment rate: 4.4% (1990) _#_Budget: revenues $36.5 billion; expenditures $48.2 billion, including capital expenditures of $4.6 billion (1988) _#_Exports: $31.4 billion (1990); commodities--iron ore, soybean bran, orange juice, footwear, coffee partners--EC 29%, US 23%, Latin America 10%, Japan 7% (1989) _#_Imports: $20.4 billion (1990); commodities--crude oil, capital goods, chemical products, foodstuffs, coal; partners--US 21%, Middle East and Africa 20%, EC 20%, Latin America 18%, Japan 7% (1989) _#_External debt: $122 billion (December 1990) _#_Industrial production: growth rate - 8.9% (1990); accounts for 35% of GDP _#_Electricity: 55,773,000 kW capacity; 214,116 million kWh produced, 1,400 kWh per capita (1990) _#_Industries: textiles and other consumer goods, shoes, chemicals, cement, lumber, iron ore, steel, motor vehicles and auto parts, metalworking, capital goods, tin _#_Agriculture: accounts for 12% of GDP; world's largest producer and exporter of coffee and orange juice concentrate and second-largest exporter of soybeans; other products--rice, corn, sugarcane, cocoa, beef; self-sufficient in food, except for wheat _#_Illicit drugs: illicit producer of cannabis and coca, mostly for domestic consumption; government has a modest eradication program to control cannabis and coca cultivation _#_Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $2.5 billion; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-88), $9.9 billion; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $284 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $1.3 billion _#_Currency: cruzeiro (plural--cruzeiros); 1 cruzeiro (Cr$) = 100 centavos _#_Exchange rates: cruzeiros (Cr$) per US$1--193.189 (January 1991), 68.300 (1990), 2.834 (1989), 0.26238 (1988), 0.03923 (1987), 0.01366 (1986), 0.00620 (1985) _#_Fiscal year: calendar year _*_Communications _#_Railroads: 29,694 km total; 25,268 km 1.000-meter gauge, 4,339 km 1.600-meter gauge, 74 km mixed 1.600-1.000-meter gauge, 13 km 0.760-meter gauge; 2,308 km electrified _#_Highways: 1,448,000 km total; 48,000 km paved, 1,400,000 km gravel or earth _#_Inland waterways: 50,000 km navigable _#_Pipelines: crude oil, 2,000 km; refined products, 3,804 km; natural gas, 1,095 km _#_Ports: Belem, Fortaleza, Ilheus, Manaus, Paranagua, Porto Alegre, Recife, Rio de Janeiro, Rio Grande, Salvador, Santos _#_Merchant marine: 263 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 5,898,838 GRT/9,975,272 DWT; includes 2 passenger-cargo, 59 cargo, 1 refrigerated cargo, 13 container, 7 roll-on/roll-off, 60 petroleum, oils, and lubricants (POL) tanker, 15 chemical tanker, 11 liquefied gas, 14 combination ore/oil, 79 bulk, 2 combination bulk; additionally, 2 naval tanker and 4 military transport are sometimes used commercially _#_Civil air: 176 major transport aircraft _#_Airports: 3,751 total, 3,078 usable; 401 with permanent-surface runways; 2 with runways over 3,659 m; 22 with runways 2,240-3,659 m; 533 with runways 1,220-2,439 m _#_Telecommunications: good system; extensive radio relay facilities; 9.86 million telephones; stations--1,223 AM, no FM, 112 TV, 151 shortwave; 3 coaxial submarine cables 3 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth stations with total of 3 antennas; 64 domestic satellite stations _*_Defense Forces _#_Branches: Brazilian Army, Navy of Brazil (including Marines), Brazilian Air Force, Federal Police Force _#_Manpower availability: males 15-49, 40,559,052; 27,364,392 fit for military service; 1,637,434 reach military age (18) annually _#_Defense expenditures: $1.1 billion, 2.6% of GDP (1990) _%_ _@_British Indian Ocean Territory (dependent territory of the UK) _*_Geography _#_Total area: 60 km2; land area: 60 km2 _#_Comparative area: about 0.3 times the size of Washington, DC _#_Land boundaries: none _#_Coastline: 698 km _#_Maritime claims: Territorial sea: 3 nm _#_Disputes: the entire Chagos Archipelago is claimed by Mauritius _#_Climate: tropical marine; hot, humid, moderated by trade winds _#_Terrain: flat and low (up to 4 meters in elevation) _#_Natural resources: coconuts, fish _#_Land use: arable land 0%; permanent crops 0%; meadows and pastures 0%; forest and woodland 0%; other 100% _#_Environment: archipelago of 2,300 islands _#_Note: Diego Garcia, largest and southernmost island, occupies strategic location in central Indian Ocean _*_People _#_Population: no permanent civilian population; formerly about 3,000 islanders _#_Ethnic divisions: civilian inhabitants, known as the Ilois, evacuated to Mauritius before construction of UK and US defense facilities _*_Government _#_Long-form name: British Indian Ocean Territory (no short-form name); abbreviated BIOT _#_Type: dependent territory of the UK _#_Capital: none _#_Leaders: Chief of State--Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); Head of Government--Commissioner and Administrator R. EDIS (since NA 1988); note--resides in the UK _#_Diplomatic representation: none (dependent territory of the UK) _#_Flag: white with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and six blue wavy horizontal stripes bearing a palm tree and yellow crown centered on the outer half of the flag _*_Economy _#_Overview: All economic activity is concentrated on the largest island of Diego Garcia, where joint UK-US defense facilities are located. Construction projects and various services needed to support the military installations are done by military and contract employees from the UK and the US. There are no industrial or agricultural activities on the islands. _#_Electricity: provided by the US military _*_Communications _#_Highways: short stretch of paved road between port and airfield on Diego Garcia _#_Ports: Diego Garcia _#_Airports: 1 with permanent-surface runways over 3,659 m on Diego Garcia _#_Telecommunications: minimal facilities; stations (operated by the US Navy)--1 AM, 1 FM, 1 TV; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station _*_Defense Forces _#_Note: defense is the responsibility of the UK _%_ _@_British Virgin Islands (dependent territory of the UK) _*_Geography _#_Total area: 150 km2; land area: 150 km2 _#_Comparative area: about 0.8 times the size of Washington, DC _#_Coastline: 80 km _#_Maritime claims: Exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm; Territorial sea: 3 nm _#_Climate: subtropical; humid; temperatures moderated by trade winds _#_Terrain: coral islands relatively flat; volcanic islands steep, hilly _#_Natural resources: negligible _#_Land use: arable land 20%; permanent crops 7%; meadows and pastures 33%; forest and woodland 7%; other 33% _#_Environment: subject to hurricanes and tropical storms from July to October _#_Note: strong ties to nearby US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico _*_People _#_Population: 12,396 (July 1991), growth rate 1.1% (1991) _#_Birth rate: 19 births/1,000 population (1991) _#_Death rate: 5 deaths/1,000 population (1991) _#_Net migration rate: - 3 migrants/1,000 population (1991) _#_Infant mortality rate: 14 deaths/1,000 live births (1991) _#_Life expectancy at birth: 72 years male, 77 years female (1991) _#_Total fertility rate: 2.1 children born/woman (1991) _#_Nationality: noun--British Virgin Islander(s); adjective--British Virgin Islander _#_Ethnic divisions: black over 90%, remainder of white and Asian origin _#_Religion: Protestant 86% (Methodist 45%, Anglican 21%, Church of God 7%, Seventh-Day Adventist 5%, Baptist 4%, Jehovah's Witnesses 2%, other 2%), Roman Catholic 6%, none 2%, other 6% (1981) _#_Language: English (official) _#_Literacy: 98% (male 98%, female 98%) age 15 and over can read and write (1970) _#_Labor force: 4,911 (1980) _#_Organized labor: NA% of labor force _*_Government _#_Long-form name: none _#_Type: dependent territory of the UK _#_Capital: Road Town _#_Administrative divisions: none (dependent territory of the UK) _#_Independence: none (dependent territory of the UK) _#_Constitution: 1 June 1977 _#_Legal system: English law _#_National holiday: Territory Day, 1 July _#_Executive branch: British monarch, governor, chief minister, Executive Council (cabinet) _#_Legislative branch: unicameral Legislative Council _#_Judicial branch: Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court _#_Leaders: Chief of State--Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Governor John Mark Ambrose HERDMAN (since NA 1986); Head of Government--Chief Minister H. Lavity STOUTT (since NA 1986) _#_Political parties and leaders: United Party (UP), Conrad MADURO; Virgin Islands Party (VIP), H. Lavity STOUTT; Independent People's Movement (IPM), Cyril B. ROMNEY _#_Suffrage: universal at age 18 _#_Elections: Legislative Council--last held 12 November 1990 (next to be held by November 1995); results--percent of vote by party NA; seats--(9 total) VIP 6, IPM 1, independent 2 _#_Communists: probably none _#_Member of: CARICOM (observer), CDB, ECLAC (associate), IOC, OECS (associate), UNESCO (associate) _#_Diplomatic representation: none (dependent territory of the UK) _#_Flag: blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and the Virgin Islander coat of arms centered in the outer half of the flag; the coat of arms depicts a woman flanked on either side by a vertical column of six oil lamps above a scroll bearing the Latin word VIGILATE (Be Watchful) _*_Economy _#_Overview: The economy is highly dependent on the tourist industry, which generates about 21% of the national income. In 1985 the government offered offshore registration to companies wishing to incorporate in the islands, and, in consequence, incorporation fees generated about $2 million in 1987. Livestock raising is the most significant agricultural activity. The islands' crops, limited by poor soils, are unable to meet food requirements. _#_GDP: $106.7 million, per capita $8,900; real growth rate 2.5% (1987) _#_Inflation rate (consumer prices): 1.0% (1987) _#_Unemployment rate: NEGL% _#_Budget: revenues $32.8 million; expenditures $32.4 million, including capital expenditures of $6.3 million (FY90) _#_Exports: $2.7 million (f.o.b., 1988); commodities--rum, fresh fish, gravel, sand, fruits, animals; partners--Virgin Islands (US), Puerto Rico, US _#_Imports: $11.5 million (c.i.f., 1988); commodities--building materials, automobiles, foodstuffs, machinery; partners--Virgin Islands (US), Puerto Rico, US _#_External debt: $4.5 million (1985) _#_Industrial production: growth rate - 4.0% (1985) _#_Electricity: 10,500 kW capacity; 43 million kWh produced, 3,510 kWh per capita (1990) _#_Industries: tourism, light industry, construction, rum, concrete block, offshore financial center _#_Agriculture: livestock (including poultry), fish, fruit, vegetables _#_Economic aid: NA _#_Currency: US currency is used _#_Exchange rates: US currency is used _#_Fiscal year: 1 April-31 March _*_Communications _#_Highways: 106 km motorable roads (1983) _#_Ports: Road Town _#_Airports: 3 total, 3 usable; 2 with permanent-surface runways less than 1,220 m _#_Telecommunications: 3,000 telephones; worldwide external telephone service; submarine cable communication links to Bermuda; stations--1 AM, no FM, 1 TV _*_Defense Forces _#_Note: defense is the responsibility of the UK _%_ _@_Brunei _*_Geography _#_Total area: 5,770 km2; land area: 5,270 km2 _#_Comparative area: slightly larger than Delaware _#_Land boundary: 381 km with Malaysia _#_Coastline: 161 km _#_Maritime claims: Exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm; Territorial sea: 12 nm _#_Disputes: may wish to purchase the Malaysian salient that divides the country _#_Climate: tropical; hot, humid, rainy _#_Terrain: flat coastal plain rises to mountains in east; hilly lowland in west _#_Natural resources: crude oil, natural gas, timber _#_Land use: arable land 1%; permanent crops 1%; meadows and pastures 1%; forest and woodland 79%; other 18%; includes irrigated NEGL% _#_Environment: typhoons, earthquakes, and severe flooding are rare _#_Note: close to vital sea lanes through South China Sea linking Indian and Pacific Oceans; two parts physically separated by Malaysia; almost an enclave of Malaysia _*_People _#_Population: 397,777 (July 1991), growth rate 6.3% (1991) _#_Birth rate: 22 births/1,000 population (1991) _#_Death rate: 4 deaths/1,000 population (1991) _#_Net migration rate: 45 migrants/1,000 population (1991) _#_Infant mortality rate: 10 deaths/1,000 live births (1991) _#_Life expectancy at birth: 74 years male, 77 years female (1991) _#_Total fertility rate: 2.9 children born/woman (1991) _#_Nationality: noun--Bruneian(s); adjective--Bruneian _#_Ethnic divisions: Malay 64%, Chinese 20%, other 16% _#_Religion: Muslim (official) 63%, Buddhism 14%, Christian 8%, indigenous beliefs and other 15% (1981) _#_Language: Malay (official), English, and Chinese _#_Literacy: 77% (male 85%, female 69%) age 15 and over can read and write (1981) _#_Labor force: 89,000 (includes members of the Army); 33% of labor force is foreign (1988); government 47.5%; production of oil, natural gas, services, and construction 41.9%; agriculture, forestry, and fishing 3.8% (1986) _#_Organized labor: 2% of labor force _*_Government _#_Long-form name: Negara Brunei Darussalam _#_Type: constitutional sultanate _#_Capital: Bandar Seri Begawan _#_Administrative divisions: 4 districts (daerah-daerah, singular--daerah); Belait, Brunei and Muara, Temburong, Tutong _#_Independence: 1 January 1984 (from UK) _#_Constitution: 29 September 1959 (some provisions suspended under a State of Emergency since December 1962, others since independence on 1 January 1984) _#_Legal system: based on Islamic law _#_National holiday: National Day, 23 February (1984) _#_Executive branch: sultan, prime minister, Council of Cabinet Ministers _#_Legislative branch: unicameral Legislative Council (Majlis Masyuarat Megeri) _#_Judicial branch: Supreme Court _#_Leaders: Chief of State and Head of Government--Sultan and Prime Minister Sir Muda HASSANAL BOLKIAH Muizzaddin Waddaulah (since 5 October 1967) _#_Political parties and leaders: Brunei United National Party (inactive), Anak HASANUDDIN, chairman; Brunei National Democratic Party (the first legal political party and now banned), leader NA _#_Suffrage: none _#_Elections: Legislative Council--last held in March 1962; in 1970 the Council was changed to an appointive body by decree of the sultan and no elections are planned _#_Communists: probably none _#_Member of: APEC, ASEAN, C, ESCAP, ICAO, IDB, IMO, INTERPOL, IOC, ISO (correspondent), ITU, OIC, UN, UNCTAD, UPU, WHO, WMO _#_Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Dato Paduka Haji Mohamed SUNI bin Haji Idris; Chancery at 2600 Virginia Avenue NW, Washington DC 20037; telephone (202) 342-0159; US--Ambassador Christopher H. PHILLIPS; Embassy at Third Floor, Teck Guan Plaza, Jalan Sultan, Bandar Seri Begawan (mailing address is P. O. Box 2991, Bandar Seri Begawan and Box B, APO San Francisco, 96528); telephone [673] (2) 229-670 _#_Flag: yellow with two diagonal bands of white (top, almost double width) and black starting from the upper hoist side; the national emblem in red is superimposed at the center; the emblem includes a swallow-tailed flag on top of a winged column within an upturned crescent above a scroll and flanked by two upraised hands _*_Economy _#_Overview: The economy is a mixture of foreign and domestic entrepreneurship, government regulation and welfare measures, and village tradition. It is almost totally supported by exports of crude oil and natural gas, with revenues from the petroleum sector accounting for more than 50% of GDP. Per capita GDP of $9,600 is among the highest in the Third World, and substantial income from overseas investment supplements domestic production. The government provides for all medical services and subsidizes food and housing. _#_GDP: $3.3 billion, per capita $9,600; real growth rate 2.7% (1989 est.) _#_Inflation rate (consumer prices): 1.3% (1989 est.) _#_Unemployment: 2.5%, shortage of skilled labor (1989 est.) _#_Budget: revenues $1.2 billion; expenditures $1.4 billion, including capital expenditures of $230 million (1988 est.) _#_Exports: $1.9 billion (f.o.b., 1989); commodities--crude oil, liquefied natural gas, petroleum products; partners--Japan 60%, Thailand 10%, Singapore 4% (1988) _#_Imports: $1.2 billion (c.i.f., 1989); commodities--machinery and transport equipment, manufactured goods, food, chemicals; partners--Singapore 36%, UK 26%, Switzerland 7%, US 7%, Japan 6% (1988) _#_External debt: none _#_Industrial production: growth rate 12.9% (1987); accounts for 52.4% of GDP _#_Electricity: 310,000 kW capacity; 890 million kWh produced, 2,400 kWh per capita (1990) _#_Industries: petroleum, liquefied natural gas, construction _#_Agriculture: imports about 80% of its food needs; principal crops and livestock include rice, cassava, bananas, buffaloes, and pigs _#_Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-87), $20.6 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-87), $143.7 million _#_Currency: Bruneian dollar (plural--dollars); 1 Bruneian dollar (B$) = 100 cents _#_Exchange rates: Bruneian dollars (B$) per US$1--1.7454 (January 1991), 1.8125 (1990), 1.9503 (1989), 2.0124 (1988), 2.1060 (1987), 2.1774 (1986), 2.2002 (1985); note--the Bruneian dollar is at par with the Singapore dollar _#_Fiscal year: calendar year _*_Communications _#_Railroads: 13 km 0.610-meter narrow-gauge private line _#_Highways: 1,090 km total; 370 km paved (bituminous treated) and another 52 km under construction, 720 km gravel or unimproved _#_Inland waterways: 209 km; navigable by craft drawing less than 1.2 meters _#_Ports: Kuala Belait, Muara _#_Merchant marine: 7 liquefied gas carriers (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 348,476 GRT/340,635 DWT _#_Pipelines: crude oil, 135 km; refined products, 418 km; natural gas, 920 km _#_Civil air: 4 major transport aircraft (3 Boeing 757-200, 1 Boeing 737-200) _#_Airports: 2 total, 2 usable; 1 with permanent-surface runways; 1 with runway over 3,659 m; 1 with runway 1,406 m _#_Telecommunications: service throughout country is adequate for present needs; international service good to adjacent Malaysia; radiobroadcast coverage good; 33,000 telephones (1987); stations--4 AM/FM, 1 TV; 74,000 radio receivers (1987); satellite earth stations--1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT and 1 Pacific Ocean INTELSAT _*_Defense Forces _#_Branches: Royal Brunei Armed Forces (including Ground Forces, Flotilla, and Air Wing), Royal Brunei Police _#_Manpower availability: males 15-49, 110,727; 63,730 fit for military service; 3,199 reach military age (18) annually _#_Defense expenditures: $233.1 million, 7.1% of GDP (1988) _%_ _@_Bulgaria _*_Geography _#_Total area: 110,910 km2; land area: 110,550 km2 _#_Comparative area: slightly larger than Tennessee _#_Land boundaries: 1,881 km total; Greece 494 km, Romania 608 km, Turkey 240 km, Yugoslavia 539 km _#_Coastline: 354 km _#_Maritime claims: Contiguous zone: 24 nm; Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm; Territorial sea: 12 nm _#_Disputes: Macedonia question with Greece and Yugoslavia _#_Climate: temperate; cold, damp winters; hot, dry summers _#_Terrain: mostly mountains with lowlands in north and south _#_Natural resources: bauxite, copper, lead, zinc, coal, timber, arable land _#_Land use: arable land 34%; permanent crops 3%; meadows and pastures 18%; forest and woodland 35%; other 10%; includes irrigated 11% _#_Environment: subject to earthquakes, landslides; deforestation; air pollution _#_Note: strategic location near Turkish Straits; controls key land routes from Europe to Middle East and Asia _*_People _#_Population: 8,910,622 (July 1991), growth rate - 0.2% (1991) _#_Birth rate: 13 births/1,000 population (1991) _#_Death rate: 12 deaths/1,000 population (1991) _#_Net migration rate: - 3 migrants/1,000 population (1991) _#_Infant mortality rate: 13 deaths/1,000 live births (1991) _#_Life expectancy at birth: 69 years male, 76 years female (1991) _#_Total fertility rate: 1.9 children born/woman (1991) _#_Nationality: noun--Bulgarian(s); adjective--Bulgarian _#_Ethnic divisions: Bulgarian 85.3%, Turk 8.5%, Gypsy 2.6%, Macedonian 2.5%, Armenian 0.3%, Russian 0.2%, other 0.6% _#_Religion: Bulgarian Orthodox 85%; Muslim 13%; Jewish 0.8%; Roman Catholic 0.5%; Uniate Catholic 0.2%; Protestant, Gregorian-Armenian, and other 0.5% _#_Language: Bulgarian; secondary languages closely correspond to ethnic breakdown _#_Literacy: 93% (male NA%, female NA%) age 15 and over can read and write (1970 est.) _#_Labor force: 4,300,000; industry 33%, agriculture 20%, other 47% (1987) _#_Organized labor: Confederation of Independent Trade Unions of Bulgaria (KNSB); Edinstvo (Unity) People's Trade Union (splinter confederation from KNSB); Podkrepa (Support) Labor Confederation, legally registered in January 1990 _*_Government _#_Long-form name: Republic of Bulgaria _#_Type: emerging democracy, continuing significant Communist party influence _#_Capital: Sofia _#_Administrative divisions: 9 provinces (oblasti, singular--oblast); Burgas, Grad Sofiya, Khaskovo, Lovech, Mikhaylovgrad, Plovdiv, Razgrad, Sofiya, Varna _#_Independence: 22 September 1908 (from Ottoman Empire) _#_Constitution: 16 May 1971, effective 18 May 1971; a new constitution is likely to be adopted in 1991 _#_Legal system: based on civil law system, with Soviet law influence; judicial review of legislative acts in the State Council; has accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction _#_National holiday: Liberation of Bulgaria from the Ottoman Empire, 3 March (1878) _#_Executive branch: president, chairman of the Council of Ministers (premier), three deputy chairmen of the Council of Ministers, Council of Ministers _#_Legislative branch: unicameral National Assembly (Narodno Sobranie) _#_Judicial branch: Supreme Court _#_Leaders: Chief of State--President Zhelyu ZHELEV (since 1 August 1990); Head of Government--Chairman of the Council of Ministers (Premier) Dimitur POPOV (since 19 December 1990); Deputy Chairman of the Council of Ministers Aleksandur TOMOV (since 19 December 1990); Deputy Chairman of the Council of Ministers Viktor VULKOV (since 19 December 1990); Deputy Chairman of the Council of Ministers Dimitur LUDZHEV (since 19 December 1990); _#_Political parties and leaders: government--Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP), formerly Bulgarian Communist Party (BCP), Aleksandur LILOV, chairman; opposition--Union of Democratic Forces (UDF), Filip DIMITROV, chairman, consisting of Nikola Petkov Bulgarian Agrarian National Union, Milan DRENCHEV, secretary of Permanent Board; Bulgarian Social Democratic Party, Petur DERTLIEV; Green Party; Christian Democrats; Radical Democratic Party; Rights and Freedoms Movement (pro-Muslim party), Ahmed DOGAN; Bulgarian Agrarian National Union (BZNS), Viktor VULKOV _#_Suffrage: universal and compulsory at age 18 _#_Elections: Chairman of the State Council--last held 1 August 1990 (next to be held May 1991); results--Zhelyo ZHELEV was elected by the National Assembly; National Assembly--last held 10 and 17 June 1990 (next to be held in autumn 1991); results--BSP 48%, UDF 32%; seats--(400 total) BSP 211, UDF 144, Rights and Freedoms Movement 23, Agrarian Party 16, Nationalist parties 3, independents and other 3 _#_Communists: Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP), formerly Bulgarian Communist Party (BCP), 501,793 members _#_Other political or pressure groups: Ecoglasnost; Podkrepa (Support) Labor Confederation; Fatherland Union; Bulgarian Democratic Youth (formerly Communist Youth Union); Confederation of Independent Trade Unions of Bulgaria (KNSB); Committee for Defense of National Interests; Peasant Youth League; National Coalition of Extraparliamentary Political Forces; numerous regional, ethnic, and national interest groups with various agendas _#_Member of: BIS, CCC, CSCE, ECE, FAO, G-9, IAEA, IBEC, ICAO, IIB, ILO, IMO, INMARSAT, IOC, ISO, ITU, LORCS, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO _#_Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Ognyan PISHEV; Chancery at 1621 22nd Street NW, Washington DC 20008; telephone (202) 387-7969; US--Ambassador H. Kenneth HILL; Embassy at 1 Alexander Stamboliski Boulevard, Sofia (mailing address is APO New York 09213-5740); telephone [359] (2) 88-48-01 through 05 _#_Flag: three equal horizontal bands of white (top), green, and red; the national emblem formerly on the hoist side of the white stripe has been removed--it contained a rampant lion within a wreath of wheat ears below a red five-pointed star and above a ribbon bearing the dates 681 (first Bulgarian state established) and 1944 (liberation from Nazi control) _*_Economy _#_Overview: Growth in the lackluster Bulgarian economy fell to the 2% annual level in the 1980s. By 1990 Sofia's foreign debt had skyrocketed to over $10 billion--giving a debt service ratio of more than 40% of hard currency earnings and leading the regime to declare a moratorium on its hard currency payments. The post-Zhivkov regime faces major problems of renovating an aging industrial plant; coping with worsening energy, food, and consumer goods shortages; keeping abreast of rapidly unfolding technological developments; investing in additional energy capacity (the portion of electric power from nuclear energy reached over one-third in 1990); and motivating workers, in part by giving them a share in the earnings of their enterprises. A major decree of January 1989 summarized and extended the government's economic restructuring efforts, which include a partial decentralization of controls over production decisions and foreign trade. In October 1990 the Lukanov government proposed an economic reform program based on a US Chamber of Commerce study. It was never instituted because of a political stalemate between the BSP and the UDF. The new Popov government launched a similar reform program in January 1991, but full implementation has been slowed by continuing political disputes. _#_GNP: $47.3 billion, per capita $5,300; real growth rate - 6.0% (1990) _#_Inflation rate (consumer prices): 100% (1990 est.) _#_Unemployment rate: 2% (1990 est.) _#_Budget: revenues $26 billion; expenditures $28 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA billion (1988) _#_Exports: $16.0 billion (f.o.b., 1989); commodities--machinery and equipment 60.5%; agricultural products 14.7%; manufactured consumer goods 10.6%; fuels, minerals, raw materials, and metals 8.5%; other 5.7%; partners--Communist countries 82.5% (USSR 61%, GDR 5.5%, Czechoslovakia 4.9%); developed countries 6.8% (FRG 1.2%, Greece 1.0%); less developed countries 10.7% (Libya 3.5%, Iraq 2.9%) _#_Imports: $15.0 billion (f.o.b., 1989); commodities--fuels, minerals, and raw materials 45.2%; machinery and equipment 39.8%; manufactured consumer goods 4.6%; agricultural products 3.8%; other 6.6%; partners--Communist countries 80.5% (USSR 57.5%, GDR 5.7%), developed countries 15.1% (FRG 4.8%, Austria 1.6%); less developed countries 4.4% (Libya 1.0%, Brazil 0.9%) _#_External debt: $10 billion (1990) _#_Industrial production: growth rate - 10.7% (1990); accounts for about 50% of GDP _#_Electricity: 11,500,000 kW capacity; 45,000 million kWh produced, 5,040 kWh per capita (1990) _#_Industries: machine and metal building,food processing, chemicals, textiles, building materials, ferrous and nonferrous metals _#_Agriculture: accounts for 15% of GNP; climate and soil conditions support livestock raising and the growing of various grain crops, oilseeds, vegetables, fruits and tobacco; more than one-third of the arable land devoted to grain; world's fourth-largest tobacco exporter; surplus food producer _#_Economic aid: donor--$1.6 billion in bilateral aid to non-Communist less developed countries (1956-89) _#_Currency: lev (plural--leva); 1 lev (Lv) = 100 stotinki _#_Exchange rates: leva (Lv) per US$1--16.13 (March 1991), 0.7446 (November 1990), 0.84 (1989), 0.82 (1988), 0.90 (1987), 0.95 (1986), 1.03 (1985); note--floating exchange rate since February 1990 _#_Fiscal year: calendar year _*_Communications _#_Railroads: 4,300 km total, all government owned (1987); 4,055 km 1.435-meter standard gauge, 245 km narrow gauge; 917 km double track; 2,510 km electrified _#_Highways: 36,908 km total; 33,535 km hard surface (including 242 km superhighways); 3,373 km earth roads (1987) _#_Inland waterways: 470 km (1987) _#_Pipelines: crude, 193 km; refined product, 418 km; natural gas, 1,400 km (1986) _#_Ports: Burgas, Varna, Varna West; river ports are Ruse, Vidin, and Lom on the Danube _#_Merchant marine: 112 ships (1,000 GRT and over) totaling 1,227,817 GRT/1,860,294 DWT; includes 2 short-sea passenger, 33 cargo, 2 container, 1 passenger-cargo training, 6 roll-on/roll-off, 18 petroleum, oils, and lubricants (POL) tanker, 1 chemical carrier, 2 railcar carrier, 47 bulk; Bulgaria owns 3 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 51,035 DWT operating under Liberian registry _#_Civil air: 86 major transport aircraft _#_Airports: 380 total, 380 usable; about 120 with permanent-surface runways; 20 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 20 with runways 1,220-2,439 m _#_Telecommunications: 2.5 million telephones; direct dialing to 36 countries; phone density is 25 phones per 100 persons; 67% of Sofia households now have a phone (November 1988); stations--21 AM, 16 FM, and 19 TV, with 1 Soviet TV relay in Sofia; 2.1 million TV sets (1990); 92% of country receives No. 1 television program (May 1990) _*_Defense Forces _#_Branches: Bulgarian People's Army, Bulgarian Navy, Air and Air Defense Forces, Frontier Troops, Civil Defense _#_Manpower availability: males 15-49, 2,183,539; 1,826,992 fit for military service; 67,836 reach military age (19) annually _#_Defense expenditures: 1.615 billion leva, NA% of GDP (1990); note--conversion of defense expenditures into US dollars using the current exchange rate would produce misleading results _%_ _@_Burkina _*_Geography _#_Total area: 274,200 km2; land area: 273,800 km2 _#_Comparative area: slightly larger than Colorado _#_Land boundaries: 3,192 km total; Benin 306 km, Ghana 548 km, Ivory Coast 584 km, Mali 1,000 km, Niger 628 km, Togo 126 km _#_Coastline: none--landlocked _#_Maritime claims: none--landlocked _#_Disputes: the disputed international boundary between Burkina and Mali was submitted to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in October 1983 and the ICJ issued its final ruling in December 1986, which both sides agreed to accept; Burkina and Mali are proceeding with boundary demarcation, including the tripoint with Niger _#_Climate: tropical; warm, dry winters; hot, wet summers _#_Terrain: mostly flat to dissected, undulating plains; hills in west and southeast _#_Natural resources: manganese, limestone, marble; small deposits of gold, antimony, copper, nickel, bauxite, lead, phosphates, zinc, silver _#_Land use: arable land 10%; permanent crops NEGL%; meadows and pastures 37%; forest and woodland 26%; other 27%, includes irrigated NEGL% _#_Environment: recent droughts and desertification severely affecting marginal agricultural activities, population distribution, economy; overgrazing; deforestation _#_Note: landlocked _*_People _#_Population: 9,359,889 (July 1991), growth rate 3.1% (1991) _#_Birth rate: 50 births/1,000 population (1991) _#_Death rate: 16 deaths/1,000 population (1991) _#_Net migration rate: - 3 migrants/1,000 population (1991) _#_Infant mortality rate: 119 deaths/1,000 live births (1991) _#_Life expectancy at birth: 52 years male, 53 years female (1991) _#_Total fertility rate: 7.1 children born/woman (1991) _#_Nationality: noun--Burkinabe; adjective--Burkinabe _#_Ethnic divisions: more than 50 tribes; principal tribe is Mossi (about 2.5 million); other important groups are Gurunsi, Senufo, Lobi, Bobo, Mande, and Fulani _#_Religion: indigenous beliefs about 65%, Muslim 25%, Christian (mainly Roman Catholic) 10% _#_Language: French (official); tribal languages belong to Sudanic family, spoken by 90% of the population _#_Literacy: 18% (male 28%, female 9%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) _#_Labor force: 3,300,000 residents; 30,000 are wage earners; agriculture 82%, industry 13%, commerce, services, and government 5%; 20% of male labor force migrates annually to neighboring countries for seasonal employment (1984); 44% of population of working age (1985) _#_Organized labor: four principal trade union groups represent less than 1% of population _*_Government _#_Long-form name: Burkina Faso _#_Type: military; established by coup on 4 August 1983 _#_Capital: Ouagadougou _#_Administrative divisions: 30 provinces; Bam, Bazega, Bougouriba, Boulgou, Boulkiemde, Ganzourgou, Gnagna, Gourma, Houet, Kadiogo, Kenedougou, Komoe, Kossi, Kouritenga, Mouhoun, Namentenga, Naouri, Oubritenga, Oudalan, Passore, Poni, Sanguie, Sanmatenga, Seno, Sissili, Soum, Sourou, Tapoa, Yatenga, Zoundweogo _#_Independence: 5 August 1960 (from France; formerly Upper Volta) _#_Constitution: none; constitution of 27 November 1977 was abolished following coup of 25 November 1980; constitutional referendum scheduled for June 1991 _#_Legal system: based on French civil law system and customary law _#_National holiday: Anniversary of the Revolution, 4 August (1983) _#_Executive branch: chairman of the Popular Front, Council of Ministers _#_Legislative branch: unicameral National Assembly (Assemblee Nationale) was dissolved on 25 November 1980 _#_Judicial branch: Appeals Court _#_Leaders: Chief of State and Head of Government--Chairman of the Popular Front Captain Blaise COMPAORE (since 15 October 1987) _#_Political parties and leaders: all political parties banned following November 1980 coup _#_Suffrage: none _#_Elections: the National Assembly was dissolved 25 November 1980; presidential elections are scheduled for 3 November 1991 and legislative elections for 8 December 1991 _#_Communists: small Communist party front group; some sympathizers _#_Other political or pressure groups: committees for the defense of the revolution, watchdog/political action groups throughout the country in both organizations and communities _#_Member of: ACCT, ACP, AfDB, CCC, CEAO, ECA, ECOWAS, Entente, FAO, FZ, G-77, GATT, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU, OIC, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WADB, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO _#_Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Paul Desire KABORE; Chancery at 2340 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington DC 20008; telephone (202) 332-5577 or 6895; US--Ambassador Edward P. BRYNN; Embassy at Avenue Raoul Follerau, Ouagadougou (mailing address is 01 B. P. 35, Ouagadougou); telephone [226] 30-67-23 through 25 and [226] 33-34-22 _#_Flag: two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and green with a yellow five-pointed star in the center; uses the popular pan-African colors of Ethiopia _*_Economy _#_Overview: One of the poorest countries in the world, Burkina has a high population density, few natural resources, and relatively infertile soil. Economic development is hindered by a poor communications network within a landlocked country. Agriculture provides about 40% of GDP and is entirely of a subsistence nature. Industry, dominated by unprofitable government-controlled corporations, accounts for about 15% of GDP. _#_GDP: $1.75 billion, per capita $205 (1988); real growth rate 3% (1989) _#_Inflation rate (consumer prices): - 0.5% (1989) _#_Unemployment rate: NA% _#_Budget: revenues $275 million; expenditures $287 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (1989) _#_Exports: $262 million (f.o.b., 1989); commodities--oilseeds, cotton, live animals, gold; partners--EC 42% (France 30%, other 12%), Taiwan 17%, Ivory Coast 15% (1985) _#_Imports: $619 million (f.o.b., 1989); commodities--grain, dairy products, petroleum, machinery; partners--EC 37% (France 23%, other 14%), Africa 31%, US 15% (1985) _#_External debt: $962 million (December 1990 est.) _#_Industrial production: growth rate 5.7% (1990est.), accounts for about 15% of GDP (1988) _#_Electricity: 121,000 kW capacity; 320 million kWh produced, 37 kWh per capita (1989) _#_Industries: cotton lint, beverages, agricultural processing, soap, cigarettes, textiles, gold _#_Agriculture: accounts for about 40% of GDP; cash crops--peanuts, shea nuts, sesame, cotton; food crops--sorghum, millet, corn, rice; livestock; not self-sufficient in food grains _#_Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $294 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-88), $2.7 billion; Communist countries (1970-89), $113 million _#_Currency: Communaute Financiere Africaine franc (plural--francs); 1 CFA franc (CFAF) = 100 centimes _#_Exchange rates: CFA francs (CFAF) per US$1--256.54 (January 1991), 272.26 (1990), 319.01 (1989), 297.85 (1988), 300.54 (1987), 346.30 (1986), 449.26 (1985) _#_Fiscal year: calendar year _*_Communications _#_Railroads: 620 km total; 520 km Ouagadougou to Ivory Coast border and 100 km Ouagadougou to Kaya; all 1.00-meter gauge and single track _#_Highways: 16,500 km total; 1,300 km paved, 7,400 km improved, 7,800 km unimproved (1985) _#_Civil air: 2 major transport aircraft _#_Airports: 50 total, 43 usable; 2 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 2 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 7 with runways 1,220-2,439 m _#_Telecommunications: all services only fair; radio relay, wire, and radio communication stations in use; 13,900 telephones; stations--2 AM, 2 FM, 2 TV; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station _*_Defense Forces _#_Branches: Army, Air Force, National Gendarmerie, National Police _#_Manpower availability: males 15-49, 1,838,000; 937,304 fit for military service; no conscription _#_Defense expenditures: $55 million, 2.7% of GDP (1988) _%_ _@_Burma _*_Geography _#_Total area: 678,500 km2; land area: 657,740 km2 _#_Comparative area: slightly smaller than Texas _#_Land boundaries: 5,876 km total; Bangladesh 193 km, China 2,185 km, India 1,463 km, Laos 235 km, Thailand 1,800 km _#_Coastline: 1,930 km _#_Maritime claims: Contiguous zone: 24 nm; Continental shelf: edge of continental margin or 200 nm; Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm; Territorial sea: 12 nm _#_Climate: tropical monsoon; cloudy, rainy, hot, humid summers (southwest monsoon, June to September); less cloudy, scant rainfall, mild temperatures, lower humidity during winter (northeast monsoon, December to April) _#_Terrain: central lowlands ringed by steep, rugged highlands _#_Natural resources: crude oil, timber, tin, antimony, zinc, copper, tungsten, lead, coal, some marble, limestone, precious stones, natural gas _#_Land use: arable land 15%; permanent crops 1%; meadows and pastures 1%; forest and woodland 49%; other 34%; includes irrigated 2% _#_Environment: subject to destructive earthquakes and cyclones; flooding and landslides common during rainy season (June to September); deforestation _#_Note: strategic location near major Indian Ocean shipping lanes _*_People _#_Population: 42,112,082 (July 1991), growth rate 2.0% (1991) _#_Birth rate: 32 births/1,000 population (1991) _#_Death rate: 13 deaths/1,000 population (1991) _#_Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1991) _#_Infant mortality rate: 95 deaths/1,000 live births (1991) _#_Life expectancy at birth: 53 years male, 56 years female (1991) _#_Total fertility rate: 4.1 children born/woman (1991) _#_Nationality: noun--Burmese; adjective--Burmese _#_Ethnic divisions: Burman 68%, Shan 9%, Karen 7%, Rakhine 4%, Chinese 3%, Mon 2%, Indian 2%, other 5% _#_Religion: Buddhist 89%, Christian 4% (Baptist 3%, Roman Catholic 1%), Muslim 4%, animist beliefs 1%, other 2% _#_Language: Burmese; minority ethnic groups have their own languages _#_Literacy: 81% (male 89%, female 72%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) _#_Labor force: 16,036,000; agriculture 65.2%, industry 14.3%, trade 10.1%, government 6.3%, other 4.1% (FY89 est.) _#_Organized labor: Workers' Asiayone (association), 1,800,000 members; Peasants' Asiayone, 7,600,000 members _*_Government _#_Long-form name: Union of Burma; note--the local official name is Pyidaungzu Myanma Naingngandaw which has been translated by the US Government as Union of Myanma and by the Burmese as Union of Myanmar _#_Type: military regime _#_Capital: Rangoon (sometimes translated as Yangon) _#_Administrative divisions: 7 divisions* (yin-mya, singular--yin) and 7 states (pyine-mya, singular--pyine); Chin State, Irrawaddy*, Kachin State, Karan State, Kayah State, Magwe*, Mandalay*, Mon State, Pegu*, Rakhine State, Rangoon*, Sagaing*, Shan State, Tenasserim* _#_Independence: 4 January 1948 (from UK) _#_Constitution: 3 January 1974 (suspended since 18 September 1988) _#_Legal system: martial law in effect throughout most of the country; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction _#_National holiday: Independence Day, 4 January (1948) _#_Executive branch: chairman of the State Law and Order Restoration Council, State Law and Order Restoration Council _#_Legislative branch: unicameral People's Assembly (Pyithu Hluttaw) was dissolved after the coup of 18 September 1988 _#_Judicial branch: Council of People's Justices was abolished after the coup of 18 September 1988 _#_Leaders: Chief of State and Head of Government--Chairman of the State Law and Order Restoration Council Gen. SAW MAUNG (since 18 September 1988) _#_Political parties and leaders: National Unity Party (NUP; proregime), THA KYAW; National League for Democracy (NLD), U TIN OO and AUNG SAN SUU KYI; League for Democracy and Peace, U NU _#_Suffrage: universal at age 18 _#_Elections: People's Assembly--last held 27 May 1990, but Assembly never convened; results--NLD 80%; seats--(485 total) NLD 396, the regime-favored NUP 10, other 79 _#_Communists: several hundred (est.) in Burma Communist Party (BCP) _#_Other political or pressure groups: Kachin Independence Army (KIA), United Wa State Army (UWSA), Karen National Union (KNU), several Shan factions, including the Shan United Army (SUA) (all ethnically-based insurgent groups) _#_Member of: AsDB, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WMO _#_Diplomatic representation: Ambassador U MYO AUNG; Chancery at 2300 S Street NW, Washington DC 20008; telephone (202) 332-9044 through 9046; there is a Burmese Consulate General in New York; US--Ambassador (vacant); Deputy Chief of Mission Franklin P. HUDDLE, Jr.; Embassy at 581 Merchant Street, Rangoon (mailing address is G. P. O. Box 521, Rangoon or Box B, APO San Francisco 96346); telephone 82055 or 82181 _#_Flag: red with a blue rectangle in the upper hoist-side corner bearing, all in white, 14 five-pointed stars encircling a cogwheel containing a stalk of rice; the 14 stars represent the 14 administrative divisions _*_Economy _#_Overview: Burma is a poor Asian country, with a per capita GDP of about $400. The nation has been unable to achieve any substantial improvement in export earnings because of falling prices for many of its major commodity exports. For rice, traditionally the most important export, the drop in world prices has been accompanied by shrinking markets and a smaller volume of sales. In 1985 teak replaced rice as the largest export and continues to hold this position. The economy is heavily dependent on the agricultural sector, which generates about half of GDP and provides employment for 66% of the work force. _#_GDP: $16.8 billion, per capita $408; real growth rate NEGL% (FY90 est.) _#_Inflation rate (consumer prices): 22.6% (FY89 est.) _#_Unemployment rate: 9.6% in urban areas (FY89 est.) _#_Budget: revenues $4.9 billion; expenditures $5.0 billion, including capital expenditures of $0.7 billion (FY89 est.) _#_Exports: $228 million (f.o.b., FY89) commodities--teak, rice, oilseed, metals, rubber, gems; partners--Southeast Asia, India, China, EC, Africa _#_Imports: $540 million (c.i.f., FY89) commodities--machinery, transport equipment, chemicals, food products; partners--Japan, EC, China, Southeast Asia _#_External debt: $5.5 billion (December 1990 est.) _#_Industrial production: growth rate 2.6% (FY90 est.); accounts for 10% of GDP _#_Electricity: 950,000 kW capacity; 2,900 million kWh produced, 70 kWh per capita (1990) _#_Industries: agricultural processing; textiles and footwear; wood and wood products; petroleum refining; mining of copper, tin, tungsten, iron; construction materials; pharmaceuticals; fertilizer _#_Agriculture: accounts for 51% of GDP (including fish and forestry); self-sufficient in food; principal crops--paddy rice, corn, oilseed, sugarcane, pulses; world's largest stand of hardwood trees; rice and teak account for 55% of export revenues; fish catch of 732,000 metric tons (FY90) _#_Illicit drugs: world's largest illicit producer of opium poppy and minor producer of cannabis for the international drug trade; opium production is on the increase as growers respond to the collapse of Rangoon's antinarcotic programs _#_Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $158 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-88), $3.9 billion; Communist countries (1970-88), $424 million _#_Currency: kyat (plural--kyats); 1 kyat (K) = 100 pyas _#_Exchange rates: kyats (K) per US$1--6.0476 (January 1991), 6.3386 (1990), 6.7049 (1989), 6.3945 (1988), 6.6535 (1987), 7.3304 (1986), 8.4749 (1985) _#_Fiscal year: 1 April-31 March _*_Communications _#_Railroads: 3,991 km total, all government owned; 3,878 km 1.000-meter gauge, 113 km narrow-gauge industrial lines; 362 km double track _#_Highways: 27,000 km total; 3,200 km bituminous, 17,700 km improved earth or gravel, 6,100 km unimproved earth _#_Inland waterways: 12,800 km; 3,200 km navigable by large commercial vessels _#_Pipelines: crude, 1,343 km; natural gas, 330 km _#_Ports: Rangoon, Moulmein, Bassein _#_Merchant marine: 60 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 968,226 GRT/1,433,584 DWT; includes 3 passenger-cargo, 19 cargo, 2 refrigerated cargo, 3 vehicle carrier, 2 container, 3 petroleum, oils, and lubricants (POL) tanker, 2 chemical, 1 combination ore/oil, 24 bulk, 1 combination bulk _#_Civil air: 17 major transport aircraft (including 3 helicopters) _#_Airports: 86 total, 79 usable; 29 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 3 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 37 with runways 1,220-2,439 m _#_Telecommunications: meets minimum requirements for local and intercity service; international service is good; radiobroadcast coverage is limited to the most populous areas; 53,000 telephones (1986); stations--2 AM, 1 FM, 1 TV (1985); 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT earth station _*_Defense Forces _#_Branches: Army, Navy, Air Force _#_Manpower availability: eligible 15-49, 20,766,975; of the 10,378,743 males 15-49, 5,566,247 are fit for military service; of the 10,388,232 females 15-49, 5,558,007 are fit for military service; 442,200 males and 431,407 females reach military age (18) annually; both sexes are liable for military service _#_Defense expenditures: $315.0 million, 3% of GDP (FY88) _%_ _@_Burundi _*_Geography _#_Total area: 27,830 km2; land area: 25,650 km2 _#_Comparative area: slightly larger than Maryland _#_Land boundaries: 974 km total; Rwanda 290 km, Tanzania 451 km, Zaire 233 km _#_Coastline: none--landlocked _#_Maritime claims: none--landlocked _#_Climate: temperate; warm; occasional frost in uplands _#_Terrain: mostly rolling to hilly highland; some plains _#_Natural resources: nickel, uranium, rare earth oxide, peat, cobalt, copper, platinum (not yet exploited), vanadium _#_Land use: arable land 43%; permanent crops 8%; meadows and pastures 35%; forest and woodland 2%; other 12%; includes irrigated NEGL% _#_Environment: soil exhaustion; soil erosion; deforestation _#_Note: landlocked; straddles crest of the Nile-Congo watershed _*_People _#_Population: 5,831,233 (July 1991), growth rate 3.2% (1991) _#_Birth rate: 47 births/1,000 population (1991) _#_Death rate: 15 deaths/1,000 population (1991) _#_Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1991) _#_Infant mortality rate: 109 deaths/1,000 live births (1991) _#_Life expectancy at birth: 50 years male, 54 years female (1991) _#_Total fertility rate: 6.9 children born/woman (1991) _#_Nationality: noun--Burundian(s); adjective--Burundi _#_Ethnic divisions: Africans--Hutu (Bantu) 85%, Tutsi (Hamitic) 14%, Twa (Pygmy) 1%; other Africans include about 70,000 refugees, mostly Rwandans and Zairians; non-Africans include about 3,000 Europeans and 2,000 South Asians _#_Religion: Christian about 67% (Roman Catholic 62%, Protestant 5%). indigenous beliefs 32%, Muslim 1% _#_Language: Kirundi and French (official); Swahili (along Lake Tanganyika and in the Bujumbura area) _#_Literacy: 50% (male 61%, female 40%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) _#_Labor force: 1,900,000 (1983 est.); agriculture 93.0%, government 4.0%, industry and commerce 1.5%, services 1.5; 52% of population of working age (1985) _#_Organized labor: sole group is the Union of Burundi Workers (UTB); by charter, membership is extended to all Burundi workers (informally); active membership figures NA _*_Government _#_Long-form name: Republic of Burundi _#_Type: republic _#_Capital: Bujumbura _#_Administrative divisions: 15 provinces; Bubanza, Bujumbura, Bururi, Cankuzo, Cibitoke, Gitega, Karuzi, Kayanza, Kirundo, Makamba, Muramvya, Muyinga, Ngozi, Rutana, Ruyigi _#_Independence: 1 July 1962 (from UN trusteeship under Belgian administration) _#_Constitution: 20 November 1981; suspended following the coup of 3 September 1987; referendum for a new constitution scheduled for March 1992 _#_Legal system: based on German and Belgian civil codes and customary law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction _#_National holiday: Independence Day, 1 July (1962) _#_Executive branch: president; chairman of the Central Committee of the National Party of Unity and Progress (UPRONA), prime minister _#_Legislative branch: unicameral National Assembly (Assemblee Nationale) was dissolved following the coup of 3 September 1987; at an extraordinary party congress held from 27 to 29 December 1990, the Central Committee of the National Party of Unity and Progress (UPRONA) replaced the Military Committee for National Salvation, and became the supreme governing body during the transition to constitutional government _#_Judicial branch: Supreme Court (Cour Supreme) _#_Leaders: Chief of State--President Pierre BUYOYA (since 9 September 1987); Head of Government Prime Minister Adrien SIBOMANA (since 26 October 1988) _#_Political parties and leaders: only party--National Party of Unity and Progress (UPRONA), President Pierre BUYOYA, chairman, and Nicolas MAYUGI, secretary general _#_Suffrage: universal adult at age NA _#_Elections: National Assembly--dissolved after the coup of 3 September 1987; note--The National Unity Charter outlining the principles for constitutional government was adopted by a national referendum on 5 February 1991 _#_Communists: no Communist party _#_Member of: ACCT, ACP, AfDB, CCC, CEEAC, CEPGL, ECA, FAO, G-77, GATT, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, INTERPOL, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO _#_Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Julien KAVAKURE; Chancery at Suite 212, 2233 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington DC 20007; telephone (202) 342-2574; US--Ambassador Cynthia Shepherd PERRY; Embassy at Avenue du Zaire, Bujumbura (mailing address is B. P. 1720, Avenue des Etats-Unis, Bujumbura); telephone 234-54 through 56 _#_Flag: divided by a white diagonal cross into red panels (top and bottom) and green panels (hoist side and outer side) with a white disk superimposed at the center bearing three red six-pointed stars outlined in green arranged in a triangular design (one star above, two stars below) _*_Economy _#_Overview: A landlocked, resource-poor country in an early stage of economic development, Burundi is predominately agricultural with only a few basic industries. Its economic health depends on the coffee crop, which accounts for an average 90% of foreign exchange earnings each year. The ability to pay for imports therefore continues to rest largely on the vagaries of the climate and the international coffee market. _#_GDP: $1.1 billion, per capita $200; real growth rate 1.5% (1989) _#_Inflation rate (consumer prices): 11.7% (1989) _#_Unemployment rate: NA% _#_Budget: revenues $158 million; expenditures $204 million, including capital expenditures of $131 million (1989 est.) _#_Exports: $81 million (f.o.b., 1989); commodities--coffee 88%, tea, hides, and skins; partners--EC 83%, US 5%, Asia 2% _#_Imports: $197 million (c.i.f., 1989); commodities--capital goods 31%, petroleum products 15%, foodstuffs, consumer goods; partners--EC 57%, Asia 23%, US 3% _#_External debt: $957 million (December 1990 est.) _#_Industrial production: real growth rate 5.1% (1986); accounts for about 10% of GDP _#_Electricity: 51,000 kW capacity; 105 million kWh produced, 19 kWh per capita (1989) _#_Industries: light consumer goods such as blankets, shoes, soap; assembly of imports; public works construction; food processing _#_Agriculture: accounts for 60% of GDP; 90% of population dependent on subsistence farming; marginally self-sufficient in food production; cash crops--coffee, cotton, tea; food crops--corn, sorghum, sweet potatoes, bananas, manioc; livestock--meat, milk, hides, and skins _#_Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $71 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-88), $10.1 billion; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $32 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $175 million _#_Currency: Burundi franc (plural--francs); 1 Burundi franc (FBu) = 100 centimes _#_Exchange rates: Burundi francs (FBu) per US$1--163.29 (January 1991), 171.26 (1990), 158.67 (1989), 140.40 (1988), 123.56 (1987), 114.17 (1986), 120.69 (1985) _#_Fiscal year: calendar year _*_Communications _#_Highways: 5,900 km total; 400 km paved, 2,500 km gravel or laterite, 3,000 km improved or unimproved earth _#_Inland waterways: Lake Tanganyika _#_Ports: Bujumbura (lake port) connects to transportation systems of Tanzania and Zaire _#_Civil air: 1 major transport aircraft _#_Airports: 8 total, 7 usable; 1 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 1 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; none with runways 1,220 to 2,439 m _#_Telecommunications: sparse system of wire, radiocommunications, and low-capacity radio relay links; 8,000 telephones; stations--2 AM, 2 FM, 1 TV; 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT earth station _*_Defense Forces _#_Branches: Army (includes naval and air units); paramilitary Gendarmerie _#_Manpower availability: males 15-49, 1,268,342; 661,888 fit for military service; 64,538 reach military age (16) annually _#_Defense expenditures: $33 million, 3.1% of GDP (1988) _%_ _@_Cambodia _*_Geography _#_Total area: 181,040 km2; land area: 176,520 km2 _#_Comparative area: slightly smaller than Oklahoma _#_Land boundaries: 2,572 km total; Laos 541 km, Thailand 803 km, Vietnam 1,228 km _#_Coastline: 443 km _#_Maritime claims: Contiguous zone: 24 nm; Continental shelf: 200 nm; Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm; Territorial sea: 12 nm _#_Disputes: offshore islands and three sections of the boundary with Vietnam are in dispute; maritime boundary with Vietnam not defined; occupied by Vietnam on 25 December 1978 _#_Climate: tropical; rainy, monsoon season (May to October); dry season (December to March); little seasonal temperature variation _#_Terrain: mostly low, flat plains; mountains in southwest and north _#_Natural resources: timber, gemstones, some iron ore, manganese, phosphates, hydropower potential _#_Land use: arable land 16%; permanent crops 1%; meadows and pastures 3%; forest and woodland 76%; other 4%; includes irrigated 1% _#_Environment: a land of paddies and forests dominated by Mekong River and Tonle Sap _#_Note: buffer between Thailand and Vietnam _*_People _#_Population: 7,146,386 (July 1991), growth rate 2.2% (1991) _#_Birth rate: 38 births/1,000 population (1991) _#_Death rate: 16 deaths/1,000 population (1991) _#_Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1991) _#_Infant mortality rate: 125 deaths/1,000 live births (1991) _#_Life expectancy at birth: 48 years male, 51 years female (1991) _#_Total fertility rate: 4.5 children born/woman (1991) _#_Nationality: noun--Cambodian(s); adjective--Cambodian _#_Ethnic divisions: Khmer 90%, Chinese 5%, other 5% _#_Religion: Theravada Buddhism 95%, other 5% _#_Language: Khmer (official), French _#_Literacy: 35% (male 48%, female 22%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) _#_Labor force: 2.5-3.0 million; agriculture 80% (1988 est.) _#_Organized labor: Kampuchea Federation of Trade Unions (FSC); under government control _*_Government _#_Long-form name: none _#_Type: disputed between the National Government of Cambodia (NGC) led by Prince NORODOM SIHANOUK, and the State of Cambodia (SOC) led by HENG SAMRIN _#_Capital: Phnom Penh _#_Administrative divisions: NGC--18 provinces (khet, singular and plural) and 1 capital city* (rottatheanei); Batdambang, Kampong Cham, Kampong Chhnang, Kampong Spoe, Kampong Thum, Kampot, Kandal, Kaoh Kong, Kracheh, Mondol Kiri, Phnum Penh*, Pouthisat, Preah Vihear, Prey Veng, Rotanokiri, Siemreab-Otdar Meanchey, Stoeng Treng, Svay Rieng, Takev; note--the SOC adds a province of Banteay Meanchey and an autonomous municipality of Kampong Saom to the NGC administrative structure _#_Independence: 9 November 1953 (from France) _#_Constitution: SOC--27 June 1981 _#_National holidays: NGC--Independence Day, 17 April (1975); SOC--Liberation Day, 7 January (1979) _#_Executive branch: NGC--president, prime minister; SOC--chairman of the Council of State, Council of State, chairman of the Council of Ministers, Council of Ministers _#_Legislative branch: NGC--none; SOC--unicameral National Assembly _#_Judicial branch: NGC--none; SOC--Supreme People's Court _#_Leaders: Chief of State--NGC--President Prince NORODOM SIHANOUK (since NA July 1982); SOC--Chairman of the Council of State HENG SAMRIN (since 27 June 1981) Head of Government--NGC--Prime Minister SON SANN (since NA July 1982); SOC--Chairman of the Council of Ministers HUN SEN (since 14 January 1985) _#_Political parties and leaders: NGC--three resistance groups including: Democratic Kampuchea (DK, also known as the Khmer Rouge) under KHIEU SAMPHAN; Khmer People's National Liberation Front (KPNLF) under SON SANN; and National United Front for an Independent, Neutral, Peaceful, and Cooperative Cambodia (FUNCINPEC) under Prince NORODOM RANNARIDH; SOC--Kampuchean People's Revolutionary Party (KPRP) led by HENG SAMRIN _#_Suffrage: NGC--none; SOC--universal at age 18 _#_Elections: NGC--none; SOC--National Assembly--last held 1 May 1981; in February 1986 the Assembly voted to extend its term for five years; results--KPRP is the only party; seats--(123 total) KPRP 123 _#_Member of: AsDB, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTERPOL, ITU, LORCS, NAM, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WMO, WTO _#_Diplomatic representation: none _#_Flag: NGC--three horizontal bands of blue (top), red (double width), and blue with a white stylized three-towered temple representing Angkor Wat centered on the red band; SOC--two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and blue with a gold stylized five-towered temple representing Angkor Wat in the center _*_Economy _#_Overview: Cambodia is a desperately poor country whose economic development has been stymied by deadly political infighting. The economy is based on agriculture and related industries. Over the past decade Cambodia has been slowly recovering from its near destruction by war and political upheaval. It still remains, however, one of the world's poorest countries, with an estimated per capita GDP of about $130. The food situation is precarious; during the 1980s famine has been averted only through international relief. In 1986 the production level of rice, the staple food crop, was able to meet only 80% of domestic needs. The biggest success of the nation's recovery program has been in new rubber plantings and in fishing. Industry, other than rice processing, is almost nonexistent. Foreign trade is primarily with the USSR and Vietnam. Statistical data on the economy continues to be sparse and unreliable. Foreign aid from the USSR and Eastern Europe almost certainly is being slashed. _#_GDP: $890 million, per capita $130; real growth rate 0% (1989 est.) _#_Unemployment rate: NA% _#_Budget: revenues $NA; expenditures $NA, including capital expenditures of $NA _#_Inflation rate (consumer prices): 50% (first half 1990) _#_Exports: $32 million (f.o.b., 1988); commodities--natural rubber, rice, pepper, wood; partners--Vietnam, USSR, Eastern Europe, Japan, India _#_Imports: $147 million (c.i.f., 1988); commodities--international food aid; fuels, consumer goods, machinery; partners--Vietnam, USSR, Eastern Europe, Japan, India _#_External debt: $600 million (1989) _#_Industrial production: growth rate NA% _#_Electricity: 126,000 kW capacity; 150 million kWh produced, 20 kWh per capita (1990) _#_Industries: rice milling, fishing, wood and wood products, rubber, cement, gem mining _#_Agriculture: mainly subsistence farming except for rubber plantations; main crops--rice, rubber, corn; food shortages--rice, meat, vegetables, dairy products, sugar, flour _#_Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-88), $719 million; Western (non-US) countries (1970-88), $285 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $1,800 million _#_Currency: riel (plural--riels); 1 riel (CR) = 100 sen _#_Exchange rates: riels (CR) per US$1--560 (November 1990), 159.00 (1988), 100.00 (1987), 30.00 (1986), 7.00 (1985) _#_Fiscal year: calendar year _*_Communications _#_Railroads: 612 km 1.000-meter gauge, government owned _#_Highways: 13,351 km total; 2,622 km bituminous; 7,105 km crushed stone, gravel, or improved earth; 3,624 km unimproved earth; some roads in disrepair _#_Inland waterways: 3,700 km navigable all year to craft drawing 0.6 meters; 282 km navigable to craft drawing 1.8 meters _#_Ports: Kampong Saom, Phnom Penh _#_Airports: 22 total, 9 usable; 6 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 2 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 4 with runways 1,220-2,439 m _#_Telecommunications: service barely adequate for government requirements and virtually nonexistent for general public; international service limited to Vietnam and other adjacent countries; stations--1 AM, no FM, 1 TV _*_Defense Forces _#_Branches: SOC--Cambodian People's Armed Forces (CPAF); Communist resistance forces--National Army of Democratic Kampuchea (Khmer Rouge); non-Communist resistance forces--Armee National Kampuchea Independent (ANKI) which is sometimes anglicized as National Army of Independent Cambodia (NAIC) and Khmer People's National Liberation Armed Forces (KPNLAF) _#_Manpower availability: males 15-49, 1,869,880; 1,030,356 fit for military service; 57,288 reach military age (18) annually _#_Defense expenditures: $NA, NA% of GDP _%_ _@_Cameroon _*_Geography _#_Total area: 475,440 km2; land area: 469,440 km2 _#_Comparative area: slightly larger than California _#_Land boundaries: 4,591 km total; Central African Republic 797 km, Chad 1,094 km, Congo 523 km, Equatorial Guinea 189 km, Gabon 298 km, Nigeria 1,690 km _#_Coastline: 402 km _#_Maritime claims: Territorial sea: 50 nm _#_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; Nigerian proposals to reopen maritime boundary negotiations and redemarcate the entire land boundary have been rejected by Cameroon _#_Climate: varies with terrain from tropical along coast to semiarid and hot in north _#_Terrain: diverse with coastal plain in southwest, dissected plateau in center, mountains in west, plains in north _#_Natural resources: crude oil, bauxite, iron ore, timber, hydropower potential _#_Land use: arable land 13%; permanent crops 2%; meadows and pastures 18%; forest and woodland 54%; other 13%; includes irrigated NEGL% _#_Environment: recent volcanic activity with release of poisonous gases; deforestation; overgrazing; desertification _#_Note: sometimes referred to as the hinge of Africa _*_People _#_Population: 11,390,374 (July 1991), growth rate 2.7% (1991) _#_Birth rate: 41 births/1,000 population (1991) _#_Death rate: 15 deaths/1,000 population (1991) _#_Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1991) _#_Infant mortality rate: 118 deaths/1,000 live births (1991) _#_Life expectancy at birth: 49 years male, 53 years female (1991) _#_Total fertility rate: 5.6 children born/woman (1991) _#_Nationality: noun--Cameroonian(s); adjective--Cameroonian _#_Ethnic divisions: over 200 tribes of widely differing background; Cameroon Highlanders 31%, Equatorial Bantu 19%, Kirdi 11%, Fulani 10%, Northwestern Bantu 8%, Eastern Nigritic 7%, other African 13%, non-African less than 1% _#_Religion: indigenous beliefs 51%, Christian 33%, Muslim 16% _#_Language: English and French (official), 24 major African language groups _#_Literacy: 54% (male 66%, female 43%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) _#_Labor force: NA; agriculture 74.4%, industry and transport 11.4%, other services 14.2% (1983); 50% of population of working age (15-64 years) (1985) _#_Organized labor: under 45% of wage labor force _*_Government _#_Long-form name: Republic of Cameroon _#_Type: unitary republic; multiparty presidential regime (opposition parties legalized 1990) _#_Capital: Yaounde _#_Administrative divisions: 10 provinces; Adamaoua, Centre, Est, Extreme-Nord, Littoral, Nord, Nord-Ouest, Ouest, Sud, Sud-Ouest _#_Independence: 1 January 1960 (from UN trusteeship under French administration; formerly French Cameroon) _#_Constitution: 20 May 1972 _#_Legal system: based on French civil law system, with common law influence; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction _#_National holiday: National Day, 20 May (1972) _#_Executive branch: president, Cabinet _#_Legislative branch: unicameral National Assembly (Assemblee Nationale) _#_Judicial branch: Supreme Court _#_Leaders: Chief of State President Paul BIYA (since 6 November 1982); Head of Government interim Prime Minister Sadou HAYATOU (since 25 April 1991) _#_Political parties and leaders: Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (RDPC), Paul BIYA, president, is government-controlled and was formerly the only party; 17 parties formed by 1 May 1991 _#_Suffrage: universal at age 21 _#_Elections: President--last held 24 April 1988 (next to be held April 1993); results--President Paul BIYA reelected without opposition; National Assembly--last held 24 April 1988 (next to be held by the end of 1992); results--RDPC was the only party; seats--(180 total) RDPC 180 _#_Communists: no Communist party or significant number of sympathizers _#_Other political or pressure groups: NA _#_Member of: ACCT (associate), ACP, AfDB, BDEAC, CCC, CEEAC, ECA, FAO, FZ, G-19, G-77, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU, OIC, PCA, UDEAC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO _#_Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Paul PONDI; Chancery at 2349 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington DC 20008; telephone (202) 265-8790 through 8794; US--Ambassador Frances D. COOK; Embassy at Rue Nachtigal, Yaounde (mailing address is B. P. 817, Yaounde); telephone [237] 234014; there is a US Consulate General in Douala _#_Flag: three equal vertical bands of green (hoist side), red, and yellow with a yellow five-pointed star centered in the red band; uses the popular pan-African colors of Ethiopia _*_Economy _#_Overview: Over the past decade the economy has registered a remarkable performance because of the development of an offshore oil industry. Real GDP growth annually averaged 10% from 1978 to 1985. In 1986 Cameroon had one of the highest levels of income per capita in tropical Africa, with oil revenues picking up the slack as growth in other sectors softened. Because of the sharp drop in oil prices, however, the economy experienced serious budgetary difficulties and balance-of-payments disequilibrium. Despite the recent upsurge in oil prices, Cameroon's economic outlook is troubled. Oil reserves currently being exploited will be depleted in the early 1990s, so ways must be found to boost agricultural and industrial exports in the medium term. The Sixth Cameroon Development Plan (1986-91) stresses balanced development and designates agriculture as the basis of the country's economic future. _#_GDP: $11.5 billion, per capita $1,040; real growth rate 0.7% (1990 est.) _#_Inflation rate (consumer prices): 8.6% (FY88) _#_Unemployment rate: 25% (1990 est.) _#_Budget: revenues $1.7 billion; expenditures $2.2 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA million (FY89) _#_Exports: $2.1 billion (f.o.b., 1990 est.); commodities--petroleum products 56%, coffee, cocoa, timber, manufactures; partners--EC (particularly the French) about 50%, US 10% _#_Imports: $2.1 billion (c.i.f., 1990 est.); commodities--machines and electrical equipment, transport equipment, chemical products, consumer goods; partners--France 41%, Germany 9%, US 4% _#_External debt: $4.9 billion (December 1989 est.) _#_Industrial production: growth rate - 6.4% (FY87); accounts for 30% of GDP _#_Electricity: 752,000 kW capacity; 2,940 million kWh produced, 270 kWh per capita (1989) _#_Industries: crude oil products, food processing, light consumer goods industries textiles, sawmills _#_Agriculture: the agriculture and forestry sectors provide employment for the majority of the population, contributing nearly 25% to GDP and providing a high degree of self-sufficiency in staple foods; commercial and food crops include coffee, cocoa, timber, cotton, rubber, bananas, oilseed, grains, livestock, root starches _#_Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $440 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-88), $4.2 billion; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $29 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $125 million _#_Currency: Communaute Financiere Africaine franc (plural--francs); 1 CFA franc (CFAF) = 100 centimes _#_Exchange rates: Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (CFAF) per US$1--256.54 (January 1991), 272.26 (1990), 319.01 (1989), 297.85 (1988), 300.54 (1987), 346.30 (1986), 449.26 (1985) _#_Fiscal year: 1 July-30 June _*_Communications _#_Railroads: 1,003 km total; 858 km 1.000-meter gauge, 145 km 0.600-meter gauge _#_Highways: about 65,000 km total; includes 2,682 km bituminous, 30,000 km unimproved earth, 32,318 km gravel, earth, and improved earth _#_Inland waterways: 2,090 km; of decreasing importance _#_Ports: Douala _#_Merchant marine: 2 cargo ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 24,122 GRT/33,509 DWT _#_Civil air: 5 major transport aircraft _#_Airports: 60 total, 52 usable; 10 with permanent-surface runways; 1 with runways over 3,659 m; 5 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 21 with runways 1,220-2,439 m _#_Telecommunications: good system of open wire, cable, troposcatter, and radio relay; 26,000 telephones; stations--10 AM, 1 FM, 1 TV; 2 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth stations _*_Defense Forces _#_Branches: Army, Navy (including Marines), Air Force; paramilitary Gendarmerie _#_Manpower availability: males 15-49, 2,628,909; 1,324,899 fit for military service; 125,421 reach military age (18) annually _#_Defense expenditures: $219 million, 1.7% of GDP (1990 est.) _%_ _@_Canada _*_Geography _#_Total area: 9,976,140 km2; land area: 9,220,970 km2 _#_Comparative area: slightly larger than US _#_Land boundaries: 8,893 km with US (includes 2,477 km with Alaska) _#_Coastline: 243,791 km _#_Maritime claims: Continental shelf: 200 m (depth) or to depth of exploitation; Exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm; Territorial sea: 12 nm _#_Disputes: maritime boundary disputes with France (Saint Pierre and Miquelon) and US _#_Climate: varies from temperate in south to subarctic and arctic in north _#_Terrain: mostly plains with mountains in west and lowlands in southeast _#_Natural resources: nickel, zinc, copper, gold, lead, molybdenum, potash, silver, fish, timber, wildlife, coal, crude oil, natural gas _#_Land use: arable land 5%; permanent crops NEGL%; meadows and pastures 3%; forest and woodland 35%; other 57%; includes NEGL% irrigated _#_Environment: 80% of population concentrated within 160 km of US border; continuous permafrost in north a serious obstacle to development _#_Note: second-largest country in world (after USSR); strategic location between USSR and US via north polar route _*_People _#_Population: 26,835,036 (July 1991), growth rate 1.1% (1991) _#_Birth rate: 14 births/1,000 population (1991) _#_Death rate: 7 deaths/1,000 population (1991) _#_Net migration rate: 5 migrants/1,000 population (1991) _#_Infant mortality rate: 7 deaths/1,000 live births (1991) _#_Life expectancy at birth: 74 years male, 81 years female (1991) _#_Total fertility rate: 1.7 children born/woman (1991) _#_Nationality: noun--Canadian(s); adjective--Canadian _#_Ethnic divisions: British Isles origin 40%, French origin 27%, other European 20%, indigenous Indian and Eskimo 1.5% _#_Religion: Roman Catholic 46%, United Church 16%, Anglican 10% _#_Language: English and French (both official) _#_Literacy: 99% (male NA%, female NA%) age 15 and over can read and write (1981 est.) _#_Labor force: 13,380,000; services 75%, manufacturing 14%, agriculture 4%, construction 3%, other 4% (1988) _#_Organized labor: 30.6% of labor force; 39.6% of nonagricultural paid workers _*_Government _#_Long-form name: none _#_Type: confederation with parliamentary democracy _#_Capital: Ottawa _#_Administrative divisions: 10 provinces and 2 territories*; Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Northwest Territories*, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Saskatchewan, Yukon Territory* _#_Independence: 1 July 1867 (from UK) _#_Constitution: amended British North America Act 1867 patriated to Canada 17 April 1982; charter of rights and unwritten customs _#_Legal system: based on English common law, except in Quebec, where civil law system based on French law prevails; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations _#_National holiday: Canada Day, 1 July (1867) _#_Executive branch: British monarch, governor general, prime minister, deputy prime minister, Cabinet _#_Legislative branch: bicameral Parliament (Parlement) consists of an upper house or Senate (Senat) and a lower house or House of Commons (Chambre des Communes) _#_Judicial branch: Supreme Court _#_Leaders: Chief of State--Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Governor General Raymond John HNATSHYN (since 29 January 1990); Head of Government--Prime Minister (Martin) Brian MULRONEY (since 4 September 1984); Deputy Prime Minister Donald Frank MAZANKOWSKI (since NA June 1986) _#_Political parties and leaders: Progressive Conservative, Brian MULRONEY; Liberal, Jean CHRETIEN; New Democratic, Audrey McLAUGHLIN _#_Suffrage: universal at age 18 _#_Elections: House of Commons--last held 21 November 1988 (next to be held by November 1993); results--Progressive Conservative 43.0%, Liberal 32%, New Democratic Party 20%, other 5%; seats--(295 total) Progressive Conservative 159, Liberal 80, New Democratic Party 44, independent 12 _#_Communists: 3,000 _#_Member of: ACCT, AfDB, AG (observer), APEC, AsDB, BIS, C, CCC, CDB, COCOM, CP, CSCE, EBRD, ECE, ECLAC, FAO, G-7, G-8, G-10, GATT, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO, ITU, LORCS, NATO, NEA, OAS, OECD, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNDOF, UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIIMOG, UNTSO, UPU, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO _#_Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Derek BURNEY; Chancery at 1746 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington DC 20036; telephone (202) 785-1400; there are Canadian Consulates General in Atlanta, Boston, Buffalo, Chicago, Cleveland, Dallas, Detroit, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Seattle; US--Ambassador Edward N. NEY; Embassy at 100 Wellington Street, K1P 5T1, Ottawa (mailing address is P. O. Box 5000, Ogdensburg, NY 13669-0430); telephone (613) 248-25256, 25106, 25271, and 25170; there are US Consulates General in Calgary, Halifax, Montreal, Quebec, Toronto, and Vancouver _#_Flag: three vertical bands of red (hoist side), white (double width, square), and red with a red maple leaf centered in the white band _*_Economy _#_Overview: As an affluent, high-tech industrial society, Canada today closely resembles the US in per capita output, market-oriented economic system, and pattern of production. Since World War II the impressive growth of the manufacturing, mining, and service sectors has transformed the nation from a largely rural economy into one primarily industrial and urban. In the 1980s Canada registered one of the highest rates of real growth among the OECD nations, averaging about 3.2%. With its great natural resources, skilled labor force, and modern capital plant, Canada has excellent economic prospects. In mid-1990, however, the long-simmering problems between English- and French-speaking areas became so acute that observers spoke openly of a possible split in the confederation; foreign investors were becoming edgy. _#_GDP: $516.7 billion, per capita $19,500; real growth rate 0.9% (1990) _#_Inflation rate (consumer prices): 4.8% (1990) _#_Unemployment rate: 8.1% (1990) _#_Budget: revenues $105.8 billion; expenditures $131.6 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA (FY90 est.) _#_Exports: $126.7 billion (f.o.b., 1990); commodities--newsprint, wood pulp, timber, grain, crude petroleum, machinery, natural gas, ferrous and nonferrous ores, motor vehicles and parts; partners--US, Japan, UK, FRG, other EC, USSR _#_Imports: $116.3 billion (c.i.f., 1990); commodities--processed foods, beverages, crude petroleum, chemicals, industrial machinery, motor vehicles and parts, durable consumer goods, electronic computers; partners--US, Japan, UK, FRG, other EC, Taiwan, South Korea, Mexico _#_External debt: $247 billion (1987) _#_Industrial production: growth rate - 2.7% (1990); accounts for 34% of GDP _#_Electricity: 105,000,000 kW capacity; 500,000 million kWh produced, 18,840 kWh per capita (1990) _#_Industries: processed and unprocessed minerals, food products, wood and paper products, transportation equipment, chemicals, fish products, petroleum and natural gas _#_Agriculture: accounts for about 3% of GDP; one of the world's major producers and exporters of grain (wheat and barley); key source of US agricultural imports; large forest resources cover 35% of total land area; commercial fisheries provide annual catch of 1.5 million metric tons, of which 75% is exported _#_Illicit drugs: illicit producer of cannabis for the domestic drug market; use of hydroponics technology permits growers to plant large quantities of high-quality marijuana indoors _#_Economic aid: donor--ODA and OOF commitments (1970-89), $7.2 billion _#_Currency: Canadian dollar (plural--dollars); 1 Canadian dollar (Can$) = 100 cents _#_Exchange rates: Canadian dollars (Can$) per US$1--1.1559 (January 1991), 1.1668 (1990), 1.1840 (1989), 1.2307 (1988), 1.3260 (1987), 1.3895 (1986), 1.3655 (1985) _#_Fiscal year: 1 April-31 March _*_Communications _#_Railroads: 93,544 km total; two major transcontinental freight railway systems--Canadian National (government owned) and Canadian Pacific Railway; passenger service--VIA (government operated) _#_Highways: 884,272 km total; 712,936 km surfaced (250,023 km paved), 171,336 km earth _#_Inland waterways: 3,000 km, including Saint Lawrence Seaway _#_Pipelines: oil, 23,564 km total crude and refined; natural gas, 74,980 km _#_Ports: Halifax, Montreal, Quebec, Saint John (New Brunswick), Saint John's (Newfoundland), Toronto, Vancouver _#_Merchant marine: 75 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 532,062 GRT/727,118 DWT; includes 1 passenger, 5 short-sea passenger, 2 passenger-cargo, 13 cargo, 2 railcar carrier, 1 refrigerated cargo, 8 roll-on/roll-off, 1 container, 27 petroleum, oils, and lubricants (POL) tanker, 6 chemical tanker, 1 specialized tanker, 8 bulk; note--does not include ships used exclusively in the Great Lakes _#_Civil air: 636 major transport aircraft; Air Canada is the major carrier _#_Airports: 1,397 total, 1,154 usable; 443 with permanent-surface runways; 4 with runways over 3,659 m; 30 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 328 with runways 1,220-2,439 m _#_Telecommunications: excellent service provided by modern media; 18.0 million telephones; stations--900 AM, 29 FM, 53 (1,400 repeaters) TV; 5 coaxial submarine cables; over 300 earth stations operating in INTELSAT (including 4 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Pacific Ocean) and domestic systems _*_Defense Forces _#_Branches: Canadian Armed Forces (including Mobile Command, Maritime Command, Air Command, Communications Command, Canadian Forces Europe, Training Commands), Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) _#_Manpower availability: males 15-49, 7,243,909; 6,297,520 fit for military service; 188,996 reach military age (17) annually _#_Defense expenditures: $11.3 billion, 2% of GDP (FY90) _%_ _@_Cape Verde _*_Geography _#_Total area: 4,030 km2; land area: 4,030 km2 _#_Comparative area: slightly larger than Rhode Island _#_Land boundaries: none _#_Coastline: 965 km _#_Maritime claims: (measured from claimed archipelagic baselines); Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm; Territorial sea: 12 nm _#_Climate: temperate; warm, dry, summer precipitation very erratic _#_Terrain: steep, rugged, rocky, volcanic _#_Natural resources: salt, basalt rock, pozzolana, limestone, kaolin, fish _#_Land use: arable land 9%; permanent crops NEGL%; meadows and pastures 6%; forest and woodland NEGL%; other 85%; includes irrigated 1% _#_Environment: subject to prolonged droughts; harmattan wind can obscure visibility; volcanically and seismically active; deforestation; overgrazing _#_Note: strategic location 500 km from African coast near major north-south sea routes; important communications station; important sea and air refueling site _*_People _#_Population: 386,501 (July 1991), growth rate 3.0% (1991) _#_Birth rate: 48 births/1,000 population (1991) _#_Death rate: 10 deaths/1,000 population (1991) _#_Net migration rate: - 8 migrants/1,000 population (1991) _#_Infant mortality rate: 63 deaths/1,000 live births (1991) _#_Life expectancy at birth: 60 years male, 63 years female (1991) _#_Total fertility rate: 6.6 children born/woman (1991) _#_Nationality: noun--Cape Verdean(s); adjective--Cape Verdean _#_Ethnic divisions: Creole (mulatto) about 71%, African 28%, European 1% _#_Religion: Roman Catholicism fused with indigenous beliefs _#_Language: Portuguese and Crioulo, a blend of Portuguese and West African words _#_Literacy: 66% (male NA%, female NA%) age 15 and over can read and write (1989 est.) _#_Labor force: 102,000 (1985 est.); agriculture (mostly subsistence) 57%, services 29%, industry 14% (1981); 51% of population of working age (1985) _#_Organized labor: Trade Unions of Cape Verde Unity Center (UNTC-CS) _*_Government _#_Long-form name: Republic of Cape Verde _#_Type: republic _#_Capital: Praia _#_Administrative divisions: 14 districts (concelhos, singular--concelho); Boa Vista, Brava, Fogo, Maio, Paul, Praia, Porto Novo, Ribeira Grande, Sal, Santa Catarina, Santa Cruz, Sao Nicolau, Sao Vicente, Tarrafal _#_Independence: 5 July 1975 (from Portugal) _#_Constitution: 7 September 1980; amended 12 February 1981, NA December 1988, and 28 September 1990 (legalized opposition parties) _#_National holiday: Independence Day, 5 July (1975) _#_Executive branch: president, prime minister, deputy minister, secretaries of state, Council of Ministers (cabinet) _#_Legislative branch: unicameral People's National Assembly (Assembleia Nacional Popular) _#_Judicial branch: Supreme Tribunal of Justice (Supremo Tribunal de Justia) _#_Leaders: Chief of State--President Antonio Mascarenhas MONTEIRO (since 22 March 1991); Head of Government--Prime Minister Carlos VEIGA (since 13 January 1991) _#_Political parties and leaders: Movement for Democracy (MPD), Prime Minister Carlos VEIGA, founder and chairman; African Party for Independence of Cape Verde (PAICV), Pedro Verona Rodrigues PIRES, chairman _#_Suffrage: universal at age 18 _#_Elections: President--last held 17 February 1991 (next to be held February 1996); results--Antonio Mascarenhas MONTEIRO (MPD) received 72.6% of vote; People's National Assembly--last held 13 January 1991 (next to be held January 1996); results--percent of vote by party NA; seats--(79 total) MPD 56, PAICV 23; note--this multiparty Assembly election ended 15 years of single-party rule _#_Communists: no Communist party _#_Member of: ACP, AfDB, ECA, ECOWAS, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFAD, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTERPOL, IOM (observer), ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WHO, WMO _#_Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Luis de Matos Monteiro da FONSECA; Chancery at 3415 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington DC 20007; telephone (202) 965-6820; there is a Cape Verdean Consulate General in Boston; US--Ambassador Francis T. (Terry) McNAMARA; Embassy at Rua Hojl Ya Yenna 81, Praia (mailing address is C. P. 201, Praia); telephone [238] 614-363 or 614-253 _#_Flag: two equal horizontal bands of yellow (top) and green with a vertical red band on the hoist side; in the upper portion of the red band is a black five-pointed star framed by two corn stalks and a yellow clam shell; uses the popular pan-African colors of Ethiopia; similar to the flag of Guinea-Bissau which is longer and has an unadorned black star centered in the red band _*_Economy _#_Overview: Cape Verde's low per capita GDP reflects a poor natural resource base, a 17-year drought, and a high birthrate. The economy is service oriented, with commerce, transport, and public services accounting for 65% of GDP during the period 1985-88. Although nearly 70% of the population lives in rural areas, agriculture's share of GDP is only 16%; the fishing sector accounts for 4%. About 90% of food must be imported. The fishing potential, mostly lobster and tuna, is not fully exploited. In 1988 fishing represented only 3.5% of GDP. Cape Verde annually runs a high trade deficit, financed by remittances from emigrants and foreign aid. _#_GDP: $262 million, per capita $740; real growth rate 3.2% (1988 est.) _#_Inflation rate (consumer prices): 8.2% (1988 est.) _#_Unemployment rate: 25% (1988) _#_Budget: revenues $98.3 million; expenditures $138.4 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (1988 est.) _#_Exports: $10.9 million (f.o.b., 1989 est.); commodities--fish, bananas, salt; partners--Portugal, Angola, Algeria, France, Italy _#_Imports: $107.8 million (c.i.f., 1989); commodities--petroleum, foodstuffs, consumer goods, industrial products; partners--Portugal, Netherlands, Spain, France, Brazil, FRG _#_External debt: $150 million (December 1990 est.) _#_Industrial production: growth rate 18% (1988 est.); accounts for 7% of GDP _#_Electricity: 13,000 kW capacity; 15 million kWh produced, 40 kWh per capita (1990) _#_Industry: fish processing, salt mining, clothing factories, ship repair, construction materials, food and beverage production _#_Agriculture: accounts for 16% of GDP; largely subsistence farming; bananas are the only export crop; other crops--corn, beans, sweet potatoes, coffee; growth potential of agricultural sector limited by poor soils and limited rainfall; annual food imports required; fish catch provides for both domestic consumption and small exports _#_Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY75-89), $88 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-88), $590 million; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $12 million; Communist countries (1970-88), $36 million _#_Currency: Cape Verdean escudo (plural--escudos); 1 Cape Verdean escudo (CVEsc) = 100 centavos _#_Exchange rates: Cape Verdean escudos (CVEsc) per US$1--64.10 (November 1990), 74.86 (December 1989), 72.01 (1988), 72.5 (1987), 76.56 (1986), 85.38 (1985) _#_Fiscal year: calendar year _*_Communications _#_Ports: Mindelo and Praia _#_Merchant marine: 7 cargo ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 11,708 GRT/19,000 DWT _#_Civil air: 5 major transport aircraft (4 owned, 1 leased) _#_Airports: 6 total, 6 usable; 6 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 1 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 1 with runways 1,220-2,439 m _#_Telecommunications: interisland radio relay system, high-frequency radio to mainland Portugal and Guinea-Bissau; 1,740 telephones; stations--5 AM, 1 FM, 1 TV; 2 coaxial submarine cables; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station _*_Defense Forces _#_Branches: People's Revolutionary Armed Forces (FARP)--Army and Navy are separate components of FARP; Militia, Security Service _#_Manpower availability: males 15-49, 70,771; 41,844 fit for military service _#_Defense expenditures: $15 million, 11% of GDP (1981) _%_ _@_Cayman Islands (dependent territory of the UK) _*_Geography _#_Total area: 260 km2; land area: 260 km2 _#_Comparative area: slightly less than 1.5 times the size of Washington, DC _#_Land boundaries: none _#_Coastline: 160 km _#_Maritime claims: Exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm; Territorial sea: 3 nm _#_Climate: tropical marine; warm, rainy summers (May to October) and cool, relatively dry winters (November to April) _#_Terrain: low-lying limestone base surrounded by coral reefs _#_Natural resources: fish, climate and beaches that foster tourism _#_Land use: arable land 0%; permanent crops 0%; meadows and pastures 8%; forest and woodland 23%; other 69% _#_Environment: within the Caribbean hurricane belt _#_Note: important location between Cuba and Central America _*_People _#_Population: 27,489 (July 1991), growth rate 4.2% (1991) _#_Birth rate: 13 births/1,000 population (1991) _#_Death rate: 5 deaths/1,000 population (1991) _#_Net migration rate: 33 migrants/1,000 population (1991) _#_Infant mortality rate: 10 deaths/1,000 live births (1991) _#_Life expectancy at birth: 74 years male, 80 years female (1991) _#_Total fertility rate: 1.4 children born/woman (1991) _#_Nationality: noun--Caymanian(s); adjective--Caymanian _#_Ethnic divisions: 40% mixed, 20% white, 20% black, 20% expatriates of various ethnic groups _#_Religion: United Church (Presbyterian and Congregational), Anglican, Baptist, Roman Catholic, Church of God, other Protestant denominations _#_Language: English _#_Literacy: 98% (male 98%, female 98%) age 15 and over having ever attended school (1970) _#_Labor force: 8,061; service workers 18.7%, clerical 18.6%, construction 12.5%, finance and investment 6.7%, directors and business managers 5.9% (1979) _#_Organized labor: Global Seaman's Union; Cayman All Trade Union _*_Government _#_Long-form name: none _#_Type: dependent territory of the UK _#_Capital: George Town _#_Administrative divisions: 8 districts; Creek, Eastern, Midland, South Town, Spot Bay, Stake Bay, West End, Western _#_Independence: none (dependent territory of the UK) _#_Legal system: British common law and local statutes _#_Constitution: 1959, revised 1972 _#_National holiday: Constitution Day (first Monday in July), 1 July 1991 _#_Executive branch: British monarch, governor, Executive Council (cabinet) _#_Legislative branch: unicameral Legislative Assembly _#_Judicial branch: Grand Court, Cayman Islands Court of Appeal _#_Leaders: Chief of State--Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Governor Alan James SCOTT (since NA 1987); Head of Government--Governor and President of the Executive Council Alan James SCOTT (since NA 1987) _#_Political parties and leaders: no formal political parties _#_Suffrage: universal at age 18 _#_Elections: Legislative Assembly--last held NA November 1988 (next to be held November 1992); results--percent of vote NA; seats--(15 total, 12 elected) _#_Communists: none _#_Member of: CDB, IOC _#_Diplomatic representation: as a dependent territory of the UK, Caymanian interests in the US are represented by the UK; US--none _#_Flag: blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and the Caymanian coat of arms on a white disk centered on the outer half of the flag; the coat of arms includes a pineapple and turtle above a shield with three stars (representing the three islands) and a scroll at the bottom bearing the motto HE HATH FOUNDED IT UPON THE SEAS _*_Economy _#_Overview: The economy depends heavily on tourism (70% of GDP and 75% of export earnings) and offshore financial services, with the tourist industry aimed at the luxury market and catering mainly to visitors from North America. About 90% of the islands' food and consumer goods needs must be imported. The Caymanians enjoy one of the highest standards of living in the region. _#_GDP: $342 million, per capita $13,670 (1989); real growth rate 15% (1988) _#_Inflation rate (consumer prices): 5.2% (1988) _#_Unemployment rate: NA% _#_Budget: revenues $76 million; expenditures $56 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (1988) _#_Exports: $1.5 million (f.o.b., 1987 est.); commodities--turtle products, manufactured consumer goods; partners--mostly US _#_Imports: $136 million (c.i.f., 1987 est.); commodities--foodstuffs, manufactured goods; partners--US, Trinidad and Tobago, UK, Netherlands Antilles, Japan _#_External debt: $15 million (1986) _#_Industrial production: growth rate NA% _#_Electricity: 74,000 kW capacity; 256 million kWh produced, 9,710 kWh per capita (1990) _#_Industries: tourism, banking, insurance and finance, construction, building materials, furniture making _#_Agriculture: minor production of vegetables, fruit, livestock; turtle farming _#_Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-87), $26.7 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-88), $35.0 million _#_Currency: Caymanian dollar (plural--dollars); 1 Caymanian dollar (CI$) = 100 cents _#_Exchange rates: Caymanian dollars (CI$) per US$1--1.20 (fixed rate) _#_Fiscal year: 1 April-31 March _*_Communications _#_Highways: 160 km of main roads _#_Ports: George Town, Cayman Brac _#_Merchant marine: 33 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 372,732 GRT/604,395 DWT; includes 1 passenger-cargo, 6 cargo, 7 roll-on/roll-off cargo, 6 petroleum, oils, and lubricants (POL) tanker, 1 chemical tanker, 2 specialized tanker, 1 liquefied gas carrier, 9 bulk; note--a flag of convenience registry _#_Airports: 3 total; 3 usable; 2 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 2,439 m; 2 with runways 1,220-2,439 m _#_Telecommunications: 35,000 telephones; telephone system uses 1 submarine coaxial cable and 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station to link islands and access international services; stations--2 AM, 1 FM, no TV _*_Defense Forces _#_Branches: Royal Cayman Islands Police Force (RCIPF) _#_Note: defense is the responsibility of the UK _%_ _@_Central African Republic _*_Geography _#_Total area: 622,980 km2; land area: 622,980 km2 _#_Comparative area: slightly smaller than Texas _#_Land boundaries: 5,203 km total; Cameroon 797 km, Chad 1,197 km, Congo 467 km, Sudan 1,165 km, Zaire 1,577 km _#_Coastline: none--landlocked _#_Maritime claims: none--landlocked _#_Climate: tropical; hot, dry winters; mild to hot, wet summers _#_Terrain: vast, flat to rolling, monotonous plateau; scattered hills in northeast and southwest _#_Natural resources: diamonds, uranium, timber, gold, oil _#_Land use: arable land 3%; permanent crops NEGL%; meadows and pastures 5%; forest and woodland 64%; other 28% _#_Environment: hot, dry, dusty harmattan winds affect northern areas; poaching has diminished reputation as one of last great wildlife refuges; desertification _#_Note: landlocked; almost the precise center of Africa _*_People _#_Population: 2,952,382 (July 1991), growth rate 2.6% (1991) _#_Birth rate: 44 births/1,000 population (1991) _#_Death rate: 18 deaths/1,000 population (1991) _#_Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1991) _#_Infant mortality rate: 138 deaths/1,000 live births (1991) _#_Life expectancy at birth: 45 years male, 49 years female (1991) _#_Total fertility rate: 5.6 children born/woman (1991) _#_Nationality: noun--Central African(s); adjective--Central African _#_Ethnic divisions: about 80 ethnic groups, the majority of which have related ethnic and linguistic characteristics; Baya 34%, Banda 27%, Sara 10%, Mandjia 21%, Mboum 4%, M'Baka 4%; 6,500 Europeans, of whom 3,600 are French _#_Religion: indigenous beliefs 24%, Protestant 25%, Roman Catholic 25%, Muslim 15%, other 11%; animistic beliefs and practices strongly influence the Christian majority _#_Language: French (official); Sangho (lingua franca and national language); Arabic, Hunsa, Swahili _#_Literacy: 27% (male 33%, female 15%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) _#_Labor force: 775,413 (1986 est.); agriculture 85%, commerce and services 9%, industry 3%, government 3%; about 64,000 salaried workers; 55% of population of working age (1985) _#_Organized labor: 1% of labor force _*_Government _#_Long-form name: Central African Republic (no short-form name); abbreviated CAR _#_Type: republic, one-party presidential regime since 1986 _#_Capital: Bangui _#_Administrative divisions: 14 prefectures (prefectures, singular--prefecture) and 2 economic prefectures* (prefectures economiques, singular--prefecture economique); Bamingui-Bangoran, Basse-Kotto, Gribingui*, Haute-Kotto, Haute-Sangha, Haut-Mbomou, Kemo-Gribingui, Lobaye, Mbomou, Nana-Mambere, Ombella-Mpoko, Ouaka, Ouham, Ouham-Pende, Sangha*, Vakaga; note--there may be a new autonomous commune of Bangui _#_Independence: 13 August 1960 (from France; formerly Central African Empire) _#_Constitution: 21 November 1986 _#_Legal system: based on French law _#_National holiday: National Day (proclamation of the republic), 1 December (1958) _#_Executive branch: president, Council of Ministers (cabinet) _#_Legislative branch: unicameral National Assembly (Assemblee Nationale) advised by the Economic and Regional Council (Conseil Economique et Regional); when they sit together this is known as the Congress (Congres) _#_Judicial branch: Supreme Court (Cour Supreme) _#_Leaders: Chief of State and Head of Government--President Andre-Dieudonne KOLINGBA (since 1 September 1981) _#_Political parties and leaders: only party--Centrafrican Democrtic Rally Party (RDC), Andre-Dieudonne KOLINGBA _#_Suffrage: universal at age 21 _#_Elections: President--last held 21 November 1986 (next to be held November 1993); results--President KOLINGBA was reelected without opposition; National Assembly--last held 31 July 1987 (next to be held July 1992); results--RDC is the only party; seats--(52 total) RDC 52 _#_Communists: small number of Communist sympathizers _#_Member of: ACCT, ACP, AfDB, BDEAC, CCC, CEEAC, ECA, FAO, FZ, G-77, GATT, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, ILO, IMF, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU, UDEAC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMO _#_Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Jean-Pierre SOHAHONG-KOMBET; Chancery at 1618 22nd Street NW, Washington DC 20008; telephone (202) 483-7800 or 7801; US--Ambassador Daniel H. SIMPSON; Embassy at Avenue du President David Dacko, Bangui (mailing address is B. P. 924, Bangui); telephone 61-02-00 or 61-25-78, 61-43-33 _#_Flag: four equal horizontal bands of blue (top), white, green, and yellow with a vertical red band in center; there is a yellow five-pointed star on the hoist side of the blue band _*_Economy _#_Overview: The Central African Republic (CAR) had a per capita income of roughly $440 in 1990. Subsistence agriculture, including forestry, is the backbone of the economy, with over 70% of the population living in the countryside. In 1988 the agricultural sector generated about 40% of GDP. Agricultural products accounted for about 60% of export earnings and the diamond industry for 30%. Important constraints to economic development include the CAR's landlocked position, a poor transportation infrastructure, and a weak human resource base. Multilateral and bilateral development assistance plays a major role in providing capital for new investment. _#_GDP: $1.3 billion, per capita $440; real growth rate 2.0% (1990 est.) _#_Inflation rate (consumer prices): - 4.2% (1988 est.) _#_Unemployment rate: 30% in Bangui (1988 est.) _#_Budget: revenues $132 million; current expenditures $305 million, including capital expenditures of $NA million (1989 est.) _#_Exports: $148 million (f.o.b., 1989 est.); commodities--diamonds, cotton, coffee, timber, tobacco; partners--France, Belgium, Italy, Japan, US _#_Imports: $239 million (c.i.f., 1989 est.); commodities--food, textiles, petroleum products, machinery, electrical equipment, motor vehicles, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, consumer goods, industrial products; partners--France, other EC, Japan, Algeria, Yugoslavia _#_External debt: $671 million (December 1989) _#_Industrial production: 0.8% (1988); accounts for 12% of GDP _#_Electricity: 35,000 kW capacity; 84 million kWh produced, 30 kWh per capita (1989) _#_Industries: diamond mining, sawmills, breweries, textiles, footwear, assembly of bicycles and motorcycles _#_Agriculture: accounts for 40% of GDP; self-sufficient in food production except for grain; commercial crops--cotton, coffee, tobacco, timber; food crops--manioc, yams, millet, corn, bananas _#_Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $49 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-88), $1.4 billion; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $6 million; Communist countries (1970-88), $38 million _#_Currency: Communaute Financiere Africaine franc (plural--francs); 1 CFA franc (CFAF) = 100 centimes _#_Exchange rates: Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (CFAF) per US$1--256.54 (January 1991), 272.26 (1990), 319.01 (1989), 297.85 (1988), 300.54 (1987), 346.30 (1986), 449.26 (1985) _#_Fiscal year: calendar year _*_Communications _#_Highways: 22,000 km total; 458 km bituminous, 10,542 km improved earth, 11,000 unimproved earth _#_Inland waterways: 800 km; traditional trade carried on by means of shallow-draft dugouts; Oubangui is the most important river _#_Civil air: 2 major transport aircraft _#_Airports: 66 total, 49 usable; 4 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 2 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 22 with runways 1,220-2,439 m _#_Telecommunications: fair system; network relies primarily on radio relay links, with low-capacity, low-powered radiocommunication also used; 6,000 telephones; stations--1 AM, 1 FM, 1 TV; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station _*_Defense Forces _#_Branches: Central African Armed Forces, Air Force, National Gendarmerie, Police Force _#_Manpower availability: males 15-49, 659,802; 345,049 fit for military service _#_Defense expenditures: $23 million, 1.8% of GDP (1989 est.) _%_ _@_Chad _*_Geography _#_Total area: 1,284,000 km2; land area: 1,259,200 km2 _#_Comparative area: slightly more than three times the size of California _#_Land boundaries: 5,968 km total; Cameroon 1,094 km, Central African Republic 1,197 km, Libya 1,055 km, Niger 1,175 km, Nigeria 87 km, Sudan 1,360 km _#_Coastline: none--landlocked _#_Maritime claims: none--landlocked _#_Disputes: Libya claims and occupies the 100,000 km2 Aozou Strip in the far north; demarcation of international boundaries in Lake Chad, the lack of which has led to border incidents in the past, is completed and awaiting ratification by Cameroon, Chad, Niger, and Nigeria _#_Climate: tropical in south, desert in north _#_Terrain: broad, arid plains in center, desert in north, mountains in northwest, lowlands in south _#_Natural resources: crude oil (unexploited but exploration beginning), uranium, natron, kaolin, fish (Lake Chad) _#_Land use: arable land 2%; permanent crops NEGL%; meadows and pastures 36%; forest and woodland 11%; other 51%; includes irrigated NEGL% _#_Environment: hot, dry, dusty harmattan winds occur in north; drought and desertification adversely affecting south; subject to plagues of locusts _#_Note: landlocked; Lake Chad is the most significant water body in the Sahel _*_People _#_Population: 5,122,467 (July 1991), growth rate 2.1% (1991) _#_Birth rate: 42 births/1,000 population (1991) _#_Death rate: 22 deaths/1,000 population (1991) _#_Net migration rate: NEGL migrants/1,000 population (1991) _#_Infant mortality rate: 134 deaths/1,000 live births (1991) _#_Life expectancy at birth: 39 years male, 41 years female (1991) _#_Total fertility rate: 5.3 children born/woman (1991) _#_Nationality: noun--Chadian(s); adjective--Chadian _#_Ethnic divisions: some 200 distinct ethnic groups, most of whom are Muslims (Arabs, Toubou, Hadjerai, Fulbe, Kotoko, Kanembou, Baguirmi, Boulala, Zaghawa, and Maba) in the north and center and non-Muslims (Sara, Ngambaye, Mbaye, Goulaye, Moundang, Moussei, Massa) in the south; some 150,000 nonindigenous, of whom 1,000 are French _#_Religion: Muslim 44%, Christian 33%, indigenous beliefs, animism 23% _#_Language: French and Arabic (official); Sara and Sango in south; more than 100 different languages and dialects are spoken _#_Literacy: 30% (male 42%, female 18%) age 15 and over can read and write French or Arabic (1990 est.) _#_Labor force: NA; agriculture (engaged in unpaid subsistence farming, herding, and fishing) 85% _#_Organized labor: about 20% of wage labor force _*_Government _#_Long-form name: Republic of Chad _#_Type: republic _#_Capital: N'Djamena _#_Administrative divisions: 14 prefectures (prefectures, singular--prefecture); Batha, Biltine, Borkou-Ennedi-Tibesti, Chari-Baguirmi, Guera, Kanem, Lac, Logone Occidental, Logone Oriental, Mayo-Kebbi, Moyen-Chari, Ouaddai, Salamat, Tandjile _#_Independence: 11 August 1960 (from France) _#_Constitution: 22 December 1989, suspended 3 December 1990; Provisional National Charter 1 March 1991 _#_Legal system: based on French civil law system and Chadian customary law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction _#_National holiday: NA _#_Executive branch: president, Council of State (cabinet) _#_Legislative branch: the National Consultative Council (Conseil National Consultatif) was disbanded 3 December 1990 and replaced by the Provisional Council of the Republic; 30 members appointed by President DEBY on 8 March 1991 _#_Judicial branch: Court of Appeal _#_Leaders: Chief of State--Col. Idriss DEBY (since 4 December 1990); Head of Government--Prime Minister Jean LINGUE Bawoyeu (since 8 March 1991) _#_Political parties and leaders: Patriotic Salvation Movement (MPS; former dissident group), Idriss DEBY, chairman; President DEBY has promised political pluralism, a new constitution, and free elections by September 1993; numerous dissident groups _#_Suffrage: universal at age NA _#_Elections: President--last held 10 December 1989 (next to be held NA); results--President Hissein HABRE was elected without opposition; note--the government of then President HABRE fell on 1 December 1990 and Idriss DEBY seized power on 3 December 1990; National Consultative Council--last held 8 July 1990; disbanded 3 December 1990 _#_Communists: no front organizations or underground party; probably a few Communists and some sympathizers _#_Other political or pressure groups: NA _#_Member of: ACCT, ACP, AfDB, BDEAC, CEEAC, ECA, FAO, FZ, G-77, GATT, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IDA, IDB, IFAD, ILO, IMF, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU, OIC, UDEAC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UPU, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO _#_Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Mahamat Ali ADOUM; Chancery at 2002 R Steet NW, Washington DC 20009; telephone (202) 462-4009; US--Ambassador Richard W. BOGOSIAN; Embassy at Avenue Felix Eboue, N'Djamena (mailing address is B. P. 413, N'Djamena); telephone [235] (51) 62-18, 40-09 _#_Flag: three equal vertical bands of blue (hoist side), yellow, and red; similar to the flag of Romania; also similar to the flag of Andorra which has a national coat of arms featuring a quartered shield centered in the yellow band; design was based on the flag of France _*_Economy _#_Overview: The climate, geographic location, and lack of infrastructure and natural resources potential make Chad one of the most underdeveloped countries in the world. Its economy is burdened by the ravages of civil war, conflict with Libya, drought, and food shortages. In 1986 real GDP returned to its 1977 level, with cotton, the major cash crop, accounting for 48% of exports. Over 80% of the work force is employed in subsistence farming and fishing. Industry is based almost entirely on the processing of agricultural products, including cotton, sugarcane, and cattle. Chad is highly dependent on foreign aid, with its economy in trouble and many regions suffering from shortages. Oil companies are exploring areas north of Lake Chad and in the Doba basin in the south. _#_GDP: $1,015 million, per capita $205; real growth rate 0.9% (1989 est.) _#_Inflation rate (consumer prices): - 4.9% (1989) _#_Unemployment rate: NA _#_Budget: revenues $78 million; expenditures $127 million, not including capital expenditures that are mostly financed by foreign aid donors (1989 est.) _#_Exports: $174 million (f.o.b., 1990 est.); commodities--cotton 48%, cattle 35%, textiles 5%, fish; partners--France, Nigeria, Cameroon _#_Imports: $264 million (c.i.f., 1990 est.); commodities--machinery and transportation equipment 39%, industrial goods 20%, petroleum products 13%, foodstuffs 9%; note--excludes military equipment; partners--US, France, Nigeria, Cameroon _#_External debt: $530 million (December 1990 est.) _#_Industrial production: growth rate 12.9% (1989 est.); accounts for nearly 15% of GDP _#_Electricity: 38,000 kW capacity; 70 million kWh produced, 14 kWh per capita (1989) _#_Industries: cotton textile mills, slaughterhouses, brewery, natron (sodium carbonate), soap, cigarettes _#_Agriculture: accounts for about 45% of GDP; largely subsistence farming; cotton most important cash crop; food crops include sorghum, millet, peanuts, rice, potatoes, manioc; livestock--cattle, sheep, goats, camels; self-sufficient in food in years of adequate rainfall _#_Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $198 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-88), $1.3 billion; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $28 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $80 million _#_Currency: Communaute Financiere Africaine franc (plural--francs); 1 CFA franc (CFAF) = 100 centimes _#_Exchange rates: Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (CFAF) per US$1--256.54 (January 1991), 272.26 (1990), 319.01 (1989), 297.85 (1988), 300.54 (1987), 346.30 (1986), 449.26 (1985) _#_Fiscal year: calendar year _*_Communications _#_Highways: 31,322 km total; 32 km bituminous; 7,300 km gravel and laterite; remainder unimproved _#_Inland waterways: 2,000 km navigable _#_Civil air: 3 major transport aircraft _#_Airports: 70 total, 54 usable; 4 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 3 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 23 with runways 1,220-2,439 m _#_Telecommunications: fair system of radiocommunication stations for intercity links; 5,000 telephones; stations--3 AM, 1 FM, limited TV service; many facilities are inoperative; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station _*_Defense Forces _#_Branches: Patriotic Salvation Force (FPS; Army, Air Force), paramilitary Gendarmerie, National Police _#_Manpower availability: males 15-49, 1,188,222; 616,932 fit for military service; 51,713 reach military age (20) annually _#_Defense expenditures: $39 million, 4.3% of GDP (1988) _%_ _@_Chile _*_Geography _#_Total area: 756,950 km2; land area: 748,800 km2; includes Isla de Pascua (Easter Island) and Isla Sala y Gomez _#_Comparative area: slightly smaller than twice the size of Montana _#_Land boundaries: 6,171 km total; Argentina 5,150 km, Bolivia 861 km, Peru 160 km _#_Coastline: 6,435 km _#_Maritime claims: Contiguous zone: 24 nm; Continental shelf: 200 nm; Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm; Territorial sea: 12 nm _#_Disputes: short section of the southern boundary with Argentina is indefinite; Bolivia has wanted a sovereign corridor to the South Pacific Ocean since the Atacama area was lost to Chile in 1884; dispute with Bolivia over Rio Lauca water rights; territorial claim in Antarctica (Chilean Antarctic Territory) partially overlaps Argentine claim _#_Climate: temperate; desert in north; cool and damp in south _#_Terrain: low coastal mountains; fertile central valley; rugged Andes in east _#_Natural resources: copper, timber, iron ore, nitrates, precious metals, molybdenum _#_Land use: arable land 7%; permanent crops NEGL%; meadows and pastures 16%; forest and woodland 21%; other 56%; includes irrigated 2% _#_Environment: subject to severe earthquakes, active volcanism, tsunami; Atacama Desert one of world's driest regions; desertification _#_Note: strategic location relative to sea lanes between Atlantic and Pacific Oceans (Strait of Magellan, Beagle Channel, Drake Passage) _*_People _#_Population: 13,286,620 (July 1991), growth rate 1.5% (1991) _#_Birth rate: 21 births/1,000 population (1991) _#_Death rate: 6 deaths/1,000 population (1991) _#_Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1991) _#_Infant mortality rate: 18 deaths/1,000 live births (1991) _#_Life expectancy at birth: 70 years male, 77 years female (1991) _#_Total fertility rate: 2.5 children born/woman (1991) _#_Nationality: noun--Chilean(s); adjective--Chilean _#_Ethnic divisions: European and European-Indian 95%, Indian 3%, other 2% _#_Religion: Roman Catholic 89%, Protestant 11%, and small Jewish population _#_Language: Spanish _#_Literacy: 93% (male 94%, female 93%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) _#_Labor force: 3,840,000; services 38.6% (includes government 12%) 38.6%; industry and commerce 31.3%; agriculture, forestry, and fishing 15.9%; mining 8.7%; construction 4.4% (1985) _#_Organized labor: 11% of labor force (1990) _*_Government _#_Long-form name: Republic of Chile _#_Type: republic _#_Capital: Santiago _#_Administrative divisions: 13 regions (regiones, singular--region); Aisen del General Carlos Ibanez del Campo, Antofagasta, Araucania, Atacama, Bio-Bio, Coquimbo, Libertador General Bernardo O'Higgins, Los Lagos, Magallanes y de la Antartica Chilena, Maule, Region Metropolitana, Tarapaca, Valparaiso; note--the US does not recognize claims to Antarctica _#_Independence: 18 September 1810 (from Spain) _#_Constitution: 11 September 1980, effective 11 March 1981; amended 30 July 1989 _#_Legal system: based on Code of 1857 derived from Spanish law and subsequent codes influenced by French and Austrian law; judicial review of legislative acts in the Supreme Court; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction _#_National holiday: Independence Day, 18 September (1810) _#_Executive branch: president, Cabinet _#_Legislative branch: bicameral National Congress (Congreso Nacional) consisting of an upper house or Senate (Senado) and a lower house or Chamber of Deputies (Camara de Diputados) _#_Judicial branch: Supreme Court (Corte Suprema) _#_Leaders: Chief of State and Head of Government--President Patricio AYLWIN (since 11 March 1990) _#_Political parties and leaders: Concertation of Parties for Democracy now consists mainly of six parties--Christian Democratic Party (PDC), Andres ZALDIVAR; Party for Democracy (PPD), Erich SCHNAKE; Radical Party (PR), Mario ASTORGA; Democratic Socialist Radical Party (PRSD), Jorge IBANEZ; Social Democratic Party (PSD), Rene ABELIUK; and Socialist Party, Jorge ARRATE; National Renovation (RN), Andres ALLAMAND; Independent Democratic Union (UDI), Joaquin LAVIN; Communist Party of Chile (PCCh), Volodia TEITELBOIM; Movement of Revolutionary Left (MIR) is splintered, no single leader _#_Suffrage: universal and compulsory at age 18 _#_Elections: President--last held 14 December 1989 (next to be held December 1993 or January 1994); results--Patricio AYLWIN (PDC) 55.2%, Hernan BUCHI 29.4%, other 15.4%; Senate--last held 14 December 1989 (next to be held December 1993 or January 1994); seats--(46 total, 38 elected) Concertation of Parties for Democracy 22 (PDC 13, PPD 5, PR 2, PSD 1, PRSD 1), RN 6, UDI 2, independents 8; Chamber of Deputies--last held 14 December 1989 (next to be held December 1993 or January 1994); seats--(120 total) Concertation of Parties for Democracy 72 (PDC 38, PPD 17, PR 5, other 12), RN 29, UDI 11, right-wing independents 8 _#_Communists: The PCCh is currently in the process of regaining legal party status and has less than 60,000 members _#_Other political or pressure groups: revitalized university student federations at all major universities dominated by opposition political groups; labor--United Labor Central (CUT) includes trade unionists from the country's five-largest labor confederations; Roman Catholic Church _#_Member of: CCC, ECLAC, FAO, G-11, G-77, GATT, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, LAES, LAIA, LORCS, OAS, OPANAL, PCA, RG, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNMOGIP, UNTSO, UPU, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO _#_Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Patricio SILVA Echenique; Chancery at 1732 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington DC 20036; telephone (202) 785-1746; there are Chilean Consulates General in Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, and San Francisco; US--Ambassador Charles A. GILLESPIE, Jr.; Embassy at Codina Building, 1343 Agustinas, Santiago (mailing address is APO Miami 34033); telephone [56] (2) 710133 or 710190, 710326, 710375 _#_Flag: two equal horizontal bands of white (top) and red; there is a blue square the same height as the white band at the hoist-side end of the white band; the square bears a white five-pointed star in the center; design was based on the US flag _*_Economy _#_Overview: In 1990 economic growth slowed from an average of 6.2% for the previous six years to about 1.5% as a result of tight monetary policy aimed at reducing inflation. Monetary policy was not successful at slowing price increases until the end of the year, however, and inflation, stimulated by higher world oil prices, increased to 27.3% in 1990 from 21.4% in 1989. Copper prices held strong in 1990, helping to maintain a balance-of-payments surplus and increase international reserves. Most observers expect that inflationary pressures have run their course and price increases will slow during 1991, contributing to growth of 4-5%. _#_GDP: $26 billion, per capita $2,000; real growth rate 2.0% (1990) _#_Inflation rate (consumer prices): 27.3% (1990) _#_Unemployment rate: 5.6% (1990) _#_Budget: revenues $6.6 billion; expenditures $7.1 billion, including capital expenditures of $575 million (1990 est.) _#_Exports: $8.3 billion (f.o.b., 1990); commodities--copper 48%, industrial products 33%, molybdenum, iron ore, wood pulp, fishmeal, fruits; partners--EC 34%, US 22%, Japan 10%, Brazil 7% _#_Imports: $7.0 billion (f.o.b., 1990); commodities--petroleum, wheat, capital goods, spare parts, raw materials; partners--EC 23%, US 20%, Japan 10%, Brazil 9% _#_External debt: $18.4 billion (February 1991) _#_Industrial production: growth rate 0% (1990); accounts for 30% of GDP _#_Electricity: 4,138,000 kW capacity; 17,784 million kWh produced, 1,360 kWh per capita (1990) _#_Industries: copper, other minerals, foodstuffs, fish processing, iron and steel, wood and wood products, transport equipment, cement, textiles _#_Agriculture: accounts for about 8% of GDP (including fishing and forestry); major exporter of fruit, fish, and timber products; major crops--wheat, corn, grapes, beans, sugar beets, potatoes, deciduous fruit; livestock products--beef, poultry, wool; self-sufficient in most foods; 1986 fish catch of 5.6 million metric tons net agricultural importer _#_Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $521 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-88), $1.4 billion; Communist countries (1970-88), $386 million _#_Currency: Chilean peso (plural--pesos); 1 Chilean peso (Ch$) = 100 centavos _#_Exchange rates: Chilean pesos (Ch$) per US$1--337.24 (January 1991), 305.06 (1990), 267.16 (1989), 245.05 (1988), 219.54 (1987), 193.02 (1986), 161.08 (1985) _#_Fiscal year: calendar year _*_Communications _#_Railroads: 8,613 km total; 4,257 km 1.676-meter gauge, 135 km 1.435-meter standard gauge, 4,221 km 1.000-meter gauge; electrification, 1,865 km 1.676-meter gauge, 80 km 1.000-meter gauge _#_Highways: 79,025 km total; 9,913 km paved, 33,140 km gravel, 35,972 km improved and unimproved earth (1984) _#_Inland waterways: 725 km _#_Pipelines: crude oil, 755 km; refined products, 785 km; natural gas, 320 km _#_Ports: Antofagasta, Iquique, Puerto Montt, Punta Arenas, Valparaiso, San Antonio, Talcahuano, Arica _#_Merchant marine: 35 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 485,935 GRT/800,969 DWT; includes 14 cargo, 1 refrigerated cargo, 3 roll-on/roll-off cargo, 2 petroleum, oils, and lubricants (POL) tanker, 1 chemical tanker, 2 liquefied gas, 3 combination ore/oil, 9 bulk; note--in addition, 2 naval tanker and 2 military transport are sometimes used commercially _#_Civil air: 22 major transport aircraft _#_Airports: 392 total, 353 usable; 50 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 12 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 55 with runways 1,220-2,439 m _#_Telecommunications: modern telephone system based on extensive radio relay facilities; 768,000 telephones; stations--159 AM, no FM, 131 TV, 11 shortwave; satellite stations--2 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT and 3 domestic _*_Defense Forces _#_Branches: Army of the Nation, National Navy (including Naval Air and Marines), Air Force of the Nation, Carabineros of Chile (National Police) _#_Manpower availability: males 15-49, 3,544,962; 2,647,148 fit for military service; 119,511 reach military age (19) annually _#_Defense expenditures: $737 million, 3% of GNP (1991 est.) _%_ _@_China (also see separate Taiwan entry) _*_Geography _#_Total area: 9,596,960 km2; land area: 9,326,410 km2 _#_Comparative area: slightly larger than the US _#_Land boundaries: 23,213.34 km total; Afghanistan 76 km, Bhutan 470 km, Burma 2,185 km, Hong Kong 30 km, India 3,380 km, North Korea 1,416 km, Laos 423 km, Macau 0.34 km, Mongolia 4,673 km, Nepal 1,236 km, Pakistan 523 km, USSR 7,520 km, Vietnam 1,281 km _#_Coastline: 14,500 km _#_Maritime claims: Continental shelf: claim to shallow areas of East China Sea and Yellow Sea Territorial sea: 12 nm _#_Disputes: boundary with India; bilateral negotiations are under way to resolve disputed sections of the boundary with the USSR; a short section of the boundary with North Korea is indefinite; sporadic border clashes with Vietnam; involved in a complex dispute over the Spratly Islands with Malaysia, Philippines, Taiwan, and Vietnam; maritime boundary dispute with Vietnam in the Gulf of Tonkin; Paracel Islands occupied by China, but claimed by Vietnam and Taiwan; claims Japanese-administered Senkaku-shoto (Senkaku Islands) _#_Climate: extremely diverse; tropical in south to subarctic in north _#_Terrain: mostly mountains, high plateaus, deserts in west; plains, deltas, and hills in east _#_Natural resources: coal, iron ore, crude oil, mercury, tin, tungsten, antimony, manganese, molybdenum, vanadium, magnetite, aluminum, lead, zinc, uranium, world's largest hydropower potential _#_Land use: arable land 10%; permanent crops NEGL%; meadows and pastures 31%; forest and woodland 14%; other 45%; includes irrigated 5% _#_Environment: frequent typhoons (about five times per year along southern and eastern coasts), damaging floods, tsunamis, earthquakes; deforestation; soil erosion; industrial pollution; water pollution; air pollution; desertification _#_Note: world's third-largest country (after USSR and Canada) _*_People _#_Population: 1,151,486,981 (July 1991), growth rate 1.6% (1991) _#_Birth rate: 22 births/1,000 population (1991) _#_Death rate: 7 deaths/1,000 population (1991) _#_Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1991) _#_Infant mortality rate: 33 deaths/1,000 live births (1991) _#_Life expectancy at birth: 68 years male, 72 years female (1991) _#_Total fertility rate: 2.3 children born/woman (1991) _#_Nationality: noun--Chinese (sing., pl.); adjective--Chinese _#_Ethnic divisions: Han Chinese 93.3%; Zhuang, Uygur, Hui, Yi, Tibetan, Miao, Manchu, Mongol, Buyi, Korean, and other nationalities 6.7% _#_Religion: officially atheist, but traditionally pragmatic and eclectic; most important elements of religion are Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism; Muslim 2-3%, Christian 1% (est.) _#_Language: Standard Chinese (Putonghua) or Mandarin (based on the Beijing dialect); also Yue (Cantonese), Wu (Shanghainese), Minbei (Fuzhou), Minnan (Hokkien-Taiwanese), Xiang, Gan, Hakka dialects, and minority languages (see ethnic divisions) _#_Literacy: 73% (male 84%, female 62%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) _#_Labor force: 553,000,000; agriculture and forestry 60%, industry and commerce 25%, construction and mining 5%, social services 5%, other 5% (1989 est.) _#_Organized labor: All-China Federation of Trade Unions (ACFTU) follows the leadership of the Chinese Communist Party; membership over 80 million or about 65% of the urban work force (1985) _*_Government _#_Long-form name: People's Republic of China; abbreviated PRC _#_Type: Communist Party-led state _#_Capital: Beijing _#_Administrative divisions: 23 provinces (sheng, singular and plural), 5 autonomous regions* (zizhiqu, singular and plural), and 3 municipalities** (shi, singular and plural); Anhui, Beijing**, Fujian, Gansu, Guangdong, Guangxi*, Guizhou, Hainan, Hebei, Heilongjiang, Henan, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangsu, Jiangxi, Jilin, Liaoning, Nei Mongol*, Ningxia*, Qinghai, Shaanxi, Shandong, Shanghai**, Shanxi, Sichuan, Tianjin**, Xinjiang*, Xizang*, Yunnan, Zhejiang; note--China considers Taiwan its 23rd province _#_Independence: unification under the Qin (Ch'in) Dynasty 221 BC, Qing (Ch'ing or Manchu) Dynasty replaced by the Republic on 12 February 1912, People's Republic established 1 October 1949 _#_Constitution: 4 December 1982 _#_Legal system: a complex amalgam of custom and statute, largely criminal law; rudimentary civil code in effect since 1 January 1987; new legal codes in effect since 1 January 1980; continuing efforts are being made to improve civil, administrative, criminal, and commercial law _#_National holiday: National Day, 1 October (1949) _#_Executive branch: president, vice president, premier, five vice premiers, State Council _#_Legislative branch: unicameral National People's Congress (Quanguo Renmin Daibiao Dahui) _#_Judicial branch: Supreme People's Court _#_Leaders: Chief of State and Head of Government (de facto)--DENG Xiaoping (since mid-1977); Chief of State--President YANG Shangkun (since 8 April 1988); Vice President WANG Zhen (since 8 April 1988); Head of Government--Premier LI Peng (Acting Premier since 24 November 1987, Premier since 9 April 1988); Vice Premier YAO Yilin (since 2 July 1979); Vice Premier TIAN Jiyun (since 20 June 1983); Vice Premier WU Xueqian (since 12 April 1988); Vice Premier ZOU Jiahua (since 8 April 1991); Vice Premier ZHU Rongji (since 8 April 1991) _#_Political parties and leaders: only party--Chinese Communist Party (CCP), JIANG Zemin, general secretary of the Central Committee (since NA June 1989) _#_Suffrage: universal at age 18 _#_Elections: President--last held 8 April 1988 (next to be held March 1993); YANG Shangkun was nominally elected by the Seventh National People's Congress; National People's Congress--last held NA March 1988 (next to be held March 1993); results--CCP is the only party but there are also independents; seats--(2,976 total) CCP and independents 2,976 (indirectly elected at county or xian level) _#_Communists: 49,000,000 party members (1990 est.) _#_Other political or pressure groups: such meaningful opposition as exists consists of loose coalitions, usually within the party and government organization, that vary by issue _#_Member of: AfDB, AsDB, CCC, ESCAP, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ISO, ITU, LORCS, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UN Security Council, UN Trusteeship Council, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO _#_Diplomatic representation: Ambassador ZHU Qizhen; Chancery at 2300 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington DC 20008; telephone (202) 328-2500 through 2502; there are Chinese Consulates General in Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco; US--Ambassador James R. LILLEY; Embassy at Xiu Shui Bei Jie 3, Beijing (mailing address is 100600, PRC Box 50, Beijing or FPO San Francisco 96655-0001); telephone [86] (1) 532-3831; there are US Consulates General in Chengdu, Guangzhou, Shanghai, and Shenyang _#_Flag: red with a large yellow five-pointed star and four smaller yellow five-pointed stars (arranged in a vertical arc toward the middle of the flag) in the upper hoist-side corner _*_Economy _#_Overview: Beginning in late 1978 the Chinese leadership has been trying to move the economy from the sluggish Soviet-style centrally planned economy to a more productive and flexible economy with market elements--but still within the framework of monolithic Communist control. To this end the authorities have switched to a system of household responsibility in agriculture in place of the old collectivization, increased the authority of local officials and plant managers in industry, permitted a wide variety of small-scale enterprise in services and light manufacturing, and opened the foreign economic sector to increased trade and joint ventures. The most gratifying result has been a strong spurt in production, particularly in agriculture in the early 1980s. Otherwise, the leadership has often experienced in its hybrid system the worst results of socialism (bureaucracy, lassitude, corruption) and of capitalism (windfall gains and stepped-up inflation). Beijing thus has periodically backtracked, retightening central controls at intervals and thereby undermining the credibility of the reform process. Popular resistance and changes in central policy have weakened China's population control program, which is essential to the nation's long-term economic viability. _#_GNP: $413 billion (1989 est.), per capita $370 (World Bank est.); real growth rate 5% (1990) _#_Inflation rate (consumer prices): 2.1% (1990) _#_Unemployment rate: 2.6% in urban areas (1990) _#_Budget: revenues $NA; expenditures $NA, including capital expenditures of $NA _#_Exports: $62.1 billion (f.o.b., 1990); commodities--textiles, garments, telecommunications and recording equipment, petroleum, minerals; partners--Hong Kong, US, Japan, USSR, Singapore, FRG (1989) _#_Imports: $53.4 billion (c.i.f., 1990); commodities--specialized industrial machinery, chemicals, manufactured goods, steel, textile yarn, fertilizer; partners--Hong Kong, Japan, US, FRG, USSR (1989) _#_External debt: $51 billion (1990 est.) _#_Industrial production: growth rate 7.6% (1990); accounts for 45% of GNP _#_Electricity: 117,580,000 kW capacity; 585,000 million kWh produced, 520 kWh per capita (1990) _#_Industries: iron, steel, coal, machine building, armaments, textiles, petroleum, cement, chemical fertilizers, consumer durables, food processing _#_Agriculture: accounts for 26% of GNP; among the world's largest producers of rice, potatoes, sorghum, peanuts, tea, millet, barley, and pork; commercial crops include cotton, other fibers, and oilseeds; produces variety of livestock products; basically self-sufficient in food; fish catch of 8 million metric tons in 1986 _#_Economic aid: donor--to less developed countries (1970-89) $7.0 billion; US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-87), $220.7 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-87), $13.5 billion _#_Currency: yuan (plural--yuan); 1 yuan (3) = 10 jiao _#_Exchange rates: yuan (3) per US$1--5.31 (April 1991), 4.7832 (1990), 3.7651 (1989), 3.7221 (1988), 3.7221 (1987), 3.4528 (1986), 2.9367 (1985) _#_Fiscal year: calendar year _*_Communications _#_Railroads: total about 54,000 km common carrier lines; 53,400 km 1.435-meter standard gauge; 600 km 1.000-meter gauge; all single track except 11,200 km double track on standard-gauge lines; 6,500 km electrified; 10,000 km industrial lines (gauges range from 0.762 to 1.067 meters) _#_Highways: about 980,000 km all types roads; 162,000 km paved roads, 617,200 km gravel/improved earth roads, 200,800 km unimproved natural earth roads and tracks _#_Inland waterways: 138,600 km; about 109,800 km navigable _#_Pipelines: crude, 6,500 km; refined products, 1,100 km; natural gas, 6,200 km _#_Ports: Dalian, Guangzhou, Huangpu, Qingdao, Qinhuangdao, Shanghai, Xingang, Zhanjiang, Ningbo, Xiamen, Tanggu, Shantou _#_Merchant marine: 1,421 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 14,010,317 GRT/21,223,170 DWT; includes 24 passenger, 42 short-sea passenger, 19 passenger-cargo, 7 cargo/training, 776 cargo, 11 refrigerated cargo, 70 container, 17 roll-on/roll-off cargo, 2 multifunction barge carrier, 181 petroleum, oils, and lubricants (POL) tanker, 9 chemical tanker, 250 bulk, 2 liquefied gas, 2 vehicle carrier, 9 combination bulk; note--China beneficially owns an additional 183 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling approximately 5,921,000 DWT that operate under Maltese and Liberian registry _#_Airports: 330 total, 330 usable; 260 with permanent-surface runways; fewer than 10 with runways over 3,500 m; 90 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 200 with runways 1,220-2,439 m _#_Telecommunications: domestic and international services are increasingly available for private use; unevenly distributed internal system serves principal cities, industrial centers, and most townships; 11,000,000 telephones (December 1989); stations--274 AM, unknown FM, 202 (2,050 relays) TV; more than 215 million radio receivers; 75 million TVs; satellite earth stations--4 Pacific Ocean INTELSAT, 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT, 1 INMARSAT, and 55 domestic _*_Defense Forces _#_Branches: Chinese People's Liberation Army (CPLA), CPLA Navy (including Marines), CPLA Air Force, Chinese People's Armed Police _#_Manpower availability: males 15-49, 335,382,062; 187,046,680 fit for military service; 10,967,622 reach military age (18) annually _#_Defense expenditures: $NA, NA% of GNP _%_ _@_Christmas Island (territory of Australia) _*_Geography _#_Total area: 135 km2; land area: 135 km2 _#_Comparative area: about 0.8 times the size of Washington, DC _#_Land boundaries: none _#_Coastline: 138.9 km _#_Maritime claims: Contiguous zone: 12 nm; Exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm; Territorial sea: 3 nm _#_Climate: tropical; heat and humidity moderated by trade winds _#_Terrain: steep cliffs along coast rise abruptly to central plateau _#_Natural resources: phosphate _#_Land use: arable land 0%; permanent crops 0%; meadows and pastures 0%; forest and woodland 0%; other 100% _#_Environment: almost completely surrounded by a reef _#_Note: located along major sea lanes of Indian Ocean _*_People _#_Population: 2,278 (July 1991), growth rate NA% (1991) _#_Birth rate: NA births/1,000 population (1991) _#_Death rate: NA deaths/1,000 population (1991) _#_Net migration rate: NA migrants/1,000 population (1991) _#_Infant mortality rate: NA deaths/1,000 live births (1991) _#_Life expectancy at birth: NA years male, NA years female (1991) _#_Total fertility rate: NA children born/woman (1991) _#_Nationality: noun--Christmas Islander(s), adjective--Christmas Island _#_Ethnic divisions: Chinese 61%, Malay 25%, European 11%, other 3%; no indigenous population _#_Religion: Buddhist 36.1%, Muslim 25.4%, Christian 17.7% (Roman Catholic 8.2%, Church of England 3.2%, Presbyterian 0.9%, Uniting Church 0.4%, Methodist 0.2%, Baptist 0.1%, and other 4.7%), none 12.7%, unknown 4.6%, other 3.5% (1981) _#_Language: English _#_Literacy: NA% (male NA%, female NA%) _#_Labor force: NA; all workers are employees of the Phosphate Mining Company of Christmas Island, Ltd. _#_Organized labor: NA _*_Government _#_Long-form name: Territory of Christmas Island _#_Type: territory of Australia _#_Capital: The Settlement _#_Administrative divisions: none (territory of Australia) _#_Independence: none (territory of Australia) _#_Constitution: Christmas Island Act of 1958 _#_Legal system: under the authority of the governor general of Australia _#_National holiday: NA _#_Executive branch: British monarch, governor general of Australia, administrator, Advisory Council (cabinet) _#_Legislative branch: none _#_Judicial branch: none _#_Leaders: Chief of State--Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); Head of Government--Administrator A. D. TAYLOR (since NA) _#_Communists: none _#_Member of: none _#_Diplomatic representation: none (territory of Australia) _#_Flag: the flag of Australia is used _*_Economy _#_Overview: Phosphate mining had been the only significant economic activity, but in December 1987 the Australian Government closed the mine as no longer economically viable. Plans have been under way to reopen the mine and also to build a casino and hotel to develop tourism, with a possible opening date during the first half of 1992. _#_GDP: $NA, per capita $NA; real growth rate NA% _#_Inflation rate (consumer prices): NA% _#_Unemployment rate: 0% _#_Budget: revenues $NA; expenditures $NA, including capital expenditures of $NA _#_Exports: $NA; commodities--phosphate; partners--Australia, NZ _#_Imports: $NA; commodities--NA; partners--NA _#_External debt: $NA _#_Industrial production: growth rate NA% _#_Electricity: 11,000 kW capacity; 30 million kWh produced, 13,170 kWh per capita (1990) _#_Industries: phosphate extraction (near depletion) _#_Agriculture: NA _#_Economic aid: none _#_Currency: Australian dollar (plural--dollars); 1 Australian dollar ($A) = 100 cents _#_Exchange rates: Australian dollars ($A) per US$1--1.2834 (January 1991), 1.2799 (1990), 1.2618 (1989), 1.2752 (1988), 1.4267 (1987), 1.4905 (1986), 1.4269 (1985) _#_Fiscal year: 1 July-30 June _*_Communications _#_Ports: Flying Fish Cove _#_Airports: 1 usable with permanent-surface runway 1,220-2,439 m _#_Telecommunications: 4,000 radios (1982) _*_Defense Forces _#_Note: defense is the responsibility of Australia _%_ _@_Clipperton Island (French possession) _*_Geography _#_Total area: 7 km2 _#_Comparative area: about 12 times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC _#_Land boundaries: none _#_Coastline: 11.1 km _#_Maritime claims: Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm; Territorial sea: 12 nm _#_Disputes: claimed by Mexico _#_Climate: tropical _#_Terrain: coral atoll _#_Natural resources: none _#_Land use: arable land 0%; permanent crops 0%; meadows and pastures 0%; forest and woodland 0%; other (coral) 100% _#_Environment: reef about 8 km in circumference _#_Note: located 1,120 km southwest of Mexico in the North Pacific Ocean; also called Ile de la Passion _*_People _#_Population: uninhabited _*_Government _#_Long-form name: none _#_Type: French possession administered from French Polynesia by High Commissioner of the Republic Jean MONTPEZAT; note--may have become a dependency of French Polynesia _*_Economy _#_Overview: only economic activity is a tuna fishing station _*_Communications _#_Ports: none; offshore anchorage only _*_Defense Forces _#_Note: defense is the responsibility of France _%_ _@_Cocos (Keeling) Islands (territory of Australia) _*_Geography _#_Total area: 14 km2; land area: 14 km2; main islands are West Island and Home Island _#_Comparative area: about 24 times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC _#_Land boundaries: none _#_Coastline: 42.6 km _#_Maritime claims: Exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm; Territorial sea: 3 nm _#_Climate: pleasant, modified by the southeast trade winds for about nine months of the year; moderate rainfall _#_Terrain: flat, low-lying coral atolls _#_Natural resources: fish _#_Land use: arable land 0%; permanent crops 0%; meadows and pastures 0%; forest and woodland 0%; other 100% _#_Environment: two coral atolls thickly covered with coconut palms and other vegetation _#_Note: located 1,070 km southwest of Sumatra (Indonesia) in the Indian Ocean about halfway between Australia and Sri Lanka _*_People _#_Population: 684 (July 1991), growth rate NEGL% (1991) _#_Birth rate: NA births/1,000 population (1991) _#_Death rate: NA deaths/1,000 population (1991) _#_Net migration rate: NA migrants/1,000 population (1991) _#_Infant mortality rate: NA deaths/1,000 live births (1991) _#_Life expectancy at birth: NA years male, NA years female (1991) _#_Total fertility rate: NA children born/woman (1991) _#_Nationality: noun--Cocos Islander(s); adjective--Cocos Islander(s) _#_Ethnic divisions: mostly Europeans on West Island and Cocos Malays on Home Island _#_Religion: almost all Sunni Muslims _#_Language: English _#_Literacy: NA% (male NA%, female NA%) _#_Labor force: NA _#_Organized labor: none _*_Government _#_Long-form name: Territory of Cocos (Keeling) Islands _#_Type: territory of Australia _#_Capital: West Island _#_Administrative divisions: none (territory of Australia) _#_Independence: none (territory of Australia) _#_Constitution: Cocos (Keeling) Islands Act of 1955 _#_Legal system: based upon the laws of Australia and local laws _#_National holiday: NA _#_Executive branch: British monarch, governor general of Australia, administrator, chairman of the Islands Council _#_Legislative branch: unicameral Islands Council _#_Judicial branch: Supreme Court _#_Leaders: Chief of State--Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); Head of Government--Administrator D. LAWRIE (since NA 1989); Chairman of the Islands Council Parson Bin YAPAT (since NA) _#_Suffrage: NA _#_Elections: NA _#_Member of: none _#_Diplomatic representation: none (territory of Australia) _#_Flag: the flag of Australia is used _*_Economy _#_Overview: Grown throughout the islands, coconuts are the sole cash crop. Copra and fresh coconuts are the major export earners. Small local gardens and fishing contribute to the food supply, but additional food and most other necessities must be imported from Australia. _#_GDP: $NA, per capita $NA; real growth rate NA% _#_Inflation rate (consumer prices): NA% _#_Unemployment: NA _#_Budget: revenues $NA; expenditures $NA, including capital expenditures of $NA _#_Exports: $NA; commodities--copra; partners--Australia _#_Imports: $NA; commodities--foodstuffs; partners--Australia _#_External debt: $NA _#_Industrial production: growth rate NA% _#_Electricity: 1,000 kW capacity; 2 million kWh produced, 2,980 kWh per capita (1990) _#_Industries: copra products _#_Agriculture: gardens provide vegetables, bananas, pawpaws, coconuts _#_Economic aid: none _#_Currency: Australian dollar (plural--dollars); 1 Australian dollar ($A) = 100 cents _#_Exchange rates: Australian dollars ($A) per US$1--1.2834 (January 1991), 1.2799 (1990), 1.2618 (1989), 1.2752 (1988), 1.4267 (1987), 1.4905 (1986), 1.4269 (1985) _#_Fiscal year: 1 July-30 June _*_Communications _#_Ports: none; lagoon anchorage only _#_Airports: 1 airfield with permanent-surface runway, 1,220-2,439 m; airport on West Island is a link in service between Australia and South Africa _#_Telecommunications: 250 radios (1985); linked by telephone, telex, and facsimile communications via satellite with Australia; stations--1 AM, no FM, no TV _*_Defense Forces _#_Note: defense is the responsibility of Australia _%_ _@_Colombia _*_Geography _#_Total area: 1,138,910 km2; land area: 1,038,700 km2; includes Isla de Malpelo, Roncador Cay, Serrana Bank, and Serranilla Bank _#_Comparative area: slightly less than three times the size of Montana _#_Land boundaries: 7,408 km total; Brazil 1,643 km, Ecuador 590 km, Panama 225 km, Peru 2,900, Venezuela 2,050 km _#_Coastline: 3,208 km total (1,448 km North Pacific Ocean; 1,760 Caribbean Sea) _#_Maritime claims: Continental shelf: not specified; Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm; Territorial sea: 12 nm _#_Disputes: maritime boundary dispute with Venezuela in the Gulf of Venezuela; territorial dispute with Nicaragua over Archipelago de San Andres y Providencia and Quita Sueno Bank _#_Climate: tropical along coast and eastern plains; cooler in highlands _#_Terrain: mixture of flat coastal lowlands, plains in east, central highlands, some high mountains _#_Natural resources: crude oil, natural gas, coal, iron ore, nickel, gold, copper, emeralds _#_Land use: arable land 4%; permanent crops 2%; meadows and pastures 29%; forest and woodland 49%; other 16%; includes irrigated NEGL% _#_Environment: highlands subject to volcanic eruptions; deforestation; soil damage from overuse of pesticides; periodic droughts _#_Note: only South American country with coastlines on both North Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea _*_People _#_Population: 33,777,550 (July 1991), growth rate 2.1% (1991) _#_Birth rate: 26 births/1,000 population (1991) _#_Death rate: 5 deaths/1,000 population (1991) _#_Net migration rate: NEGL migrants/1,000 population (1991) _#_Infant mortality rate: 37 deaths/1,000 live births (1991) _#_Life expectancy at birth: 68 years male, 74 years female (1991) _#_Total fertility rate: 2.8 children born/woman (1991) _#_Nationality: noun--Colombian(s); adjective--Colombian _#_Ethnic divisions: mestizo 58%, white 20%, mulatto 14%, black 4%, mixed black-Indian 3%, Indian 1% _#_Religion: Roman Catholic 95% _#_Language: Spanish _#_Literacy: 87% (male 88%, female 86%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) _#_Labor force: 11,000,000 (1986); services 53%, agriculture 26%, industry 21% (1981) _#_Organized labor: 1,400,000 members (1987), about 12% of labor force; the Communist-backed Unitary Workers Central or CUT is the largest labor organization, with about 725,000 members (including all affiliate unions) _*_Government _#_Long-form name: Republic of Colombia _#_Type: republic; executive branch dominates government structure _#_Capital: Bogota _#_Administrative divisions: 23 departments (departamentos, singular--departamento), 5 commissariats* (comisarias, singular--comisaria), and 4 intendancies** (intendencias, singular--intendencia); Amazonas*, Antioquia, Arauca**, Atlantico, Bolivar, Boyaca, Caldas, Caqueta, Casanare**, Cauca, Cesar, Choco, Cordoba, Cundinamarca, Guainia*, Guaviare*, Huila, La Guajira, Magdalena, Meta, Narino, Norte de Santander, Putumayo**, Quindio, Risaralda, San Andres y Providencia**, Santander, Sucre, Tolima, Valle del Cauca, Vaupes*, Vichada*; note--there may be a new special district (distrito especial) named Bogota; the Constitution of 5 July 1991 states that the commissariats and intendancies are to become full departments and a capital district (distrito capital) of Santa Fe de Bogota is to be established by 1997 _#_Independence: 20 July 1810 (from Spain) _#_Constitution: 5 July 1991 _#_Legal system: based on Spanish law; judicial review of legislative acts in the Supreme Court; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations _#_National holiday: Independence Day, 20 July (1810) _#_Executive branch: president, presidential designate, Cabinet _#_Legislative branch: bicameral Congress (Congreso) consists of a nationally elected upper chamber or Senate (Senado) and a regionally elected lower chamber or Chamber of Representatives (Camara de Representantes) _#_Judicial branch: Supreme Court of Justice (Corte Suprema de Justica) _#_Leaders: Chief of State and Head of Government--President Cesar GAVIRIA Trujillo (since 7 August 1990) _#_Political parties and leaders: Liberal Party (PL), Cesar GAVIRIA Trujillo, president, and Alfonso LOPEZ Michelsen, party head; Social Conservative Party (PCS), Misael PASTRANA Borrero; National Salvation Movement (MSN), Alvaro GOMEZ Hurtado; Democratic Alliance (AD) is headed by 19th of April Movement (M-19) leader Antonio NAVARRO Wolf, coalition of small leftist parties and dissident liberals and conservatives; Patriotic Union (UP), is a legal political party formed by Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) and Colombian Communist Party (PCC), Carlos ROMERO _#_Suffrage: universal at age 18 _#_Elections: President--last held 27 May 1990 (next to be held May 1994); results--Cesar GAVIRIA Trujillo (Liberal) 47%, Alvaro GOMEZ Hurtado (National Salvation Movement) 24%, Antonio NAVARRO Wolff (M-19) 13%, Rodrigo LLOREDA (Conservative) 12%; Senate--last held 11 March 1990 (next to be held 27 October 1991); results--percent of vote by party NA; seats--(114 total) Liberal 72, Conservative 40, UP 1, vacant 1; Chamber of Representatives last held 11 March 1990 (next to be held 27 October 1991); results--percent of vote by party NA; seats--(199 total) Liberal 122, Conservative 68, UP 3, M-19 1, other 5; note--on 5 July 1991 the new Constitution dissolved Congress and replaced it with a multiparty 36-member legislative commission until a new congress, to be elected on 27 October 1991, takes office on 1 December 1991 _#_Communists: 18,000 members (est.), including Communist Party Youth Organization (JUCO) _#_Other political or pressure groups: three insurgent groups are active in Colombia--Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), led by Manuel MARULANDA and Alfonso CANO; National Liberation Army (ELN), led by Manuel PEREZ; and dissidents of the recently demobilized People's Liberation Army (EPL) led by Francisco CARABALLO _#_Member of: AG, CDB, CG, ECLAC, FAO, G-3, G-11, G-24, G-77, GATT, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, LAES, LAIA, LORCS, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, PCA, RG, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO _#_Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Jaime GARCIA Parra; Chancery at 2118 Leroy Place NW, Washington DC 20008; telephone (202) 387-8338; there are Colombian Consulates General in Chicago, Houston, Miami, New Orleans, New York, San Francisco, and San Juan (Puerto Rico), and Consulates in Atlanta, Boston, Detroit, Ft. Lauderdale, Los Angeles, San Diego, and Tampa; US--Ambassador-designate Morris D. BUSBY; Embassy at Calle 38, No.8-61, Bogota (mailing address is P. O. Box A. A. 3831, Bogota or APO Miami 34038); telephone [57] (1) 285-1300 or 1688; there is a US Consulate in Barranquilla _#_Flag: three horizontal bands of yellow (top, double-width), blue, and red; similar to the flag of Ecuador which is longer and bears the Ecuadorian coat of arms superimposed in the center _*_Economy _#_Overview: Economic development has slowed gradually since 1986, but growth rates remain high by Latin American standards. Conservative economic policies have kept inflation and unemployment near 30% and 10%, respectively. The rapid development of oil, coal, and other nontraditional industries over the past four years has helped to offset the decline in coffee prices--Colombia's major export. The collapse of the International Coffee Agreement in the summer of 1989, a troublesome rural insurgency, and drug-related violence dampen prospects for future growth. _#_GDP: $43.0 billion, per capita $1,300; real growth rate 3.7% (1990 est.) _#_Inflation rate (consumer prices): 32.4% (1990) _#_Unemployment rate: 10.4% (urban areas 1990) (1990) _#_Budget: revenues $4.39 billion; current expenditures $3.93 billion, capital expenditures $1.03 billion (1989 est.) _#_Exports: $6.9 billion (f.o.b., 1990); commodities--coffee 24%, petroleum, coal, bananas, fresh cut flowers; partners--US 36%, EC 21%, Japan 5%, Netherlands 4%, Sweden 3% _#_Imports: $5.0 billion (c.i.f., 1990); commodities--industrial equipment, transportation equipment, foodstuffs, chemicals, paper products; partners--US 34%, EC 16%, Brazil 4%, Venezuela 3%, Japan 3% _#_External debt: $16.7 billion (1990) _#_Industrial production: growth rate 5.0% (1990 est.); accounts for 25% of GDP _#_Electricity: 9,435,000 kW capacity; 36,071 million kWh produced, 1,090 kWh per capita (1990) _#_Industries: textiles, food processing, oil, clothing and footwear, beverages, chemicals, metal products, cement; mining--gold, coal, emeralds, iron, nickel, silver, salt _#_Agriculture: growth rate 4.9% (1990); accounts for 22% of GDP; crops make up two-thirds and livestock one-third of agricultural output; climate and soils permit a wide variety of crops, such as coffee, rice, tobacco, corn, sugarcane, cocoa beans, oilseeds, vegetables; forest products and shrimp farming are becoming more important _#_Illicit drugs: major illicit producer of cannabis and coca; key supplier of marijuana and cocaine to the US and other international drug markets; drug production and trafficking accounts for an estimated 4% of GDP and 28% of foreign exchange earnings _#_Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $1.6 billion; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-88), $3.1 billion; Communist countries (1970-89), $399 million _#_Currency: Colombian peso (plural--pesos); 1 Colombian peso (Col$) = 100 centavos _#_Exchange rates: Colombian pesos (Col$) per US$1--574.09 (January 1991), 502.24 (1990), 382.57 (1989), 299.17 (1988), 242.61 (1987), 194.26 (1986), 142.31 (1985) _#_Fiscal year: calendar year _*_Communications _#_Railroads: 3,386 km; 3,236 km 0.914-meter gauge, single track (2,611 km in use), 150 km 1.435-meter gauge _#_Highways: 75,450 km total; 9,350 km paved, 66,100 km earth and gravel surfaces _#_Inland waterways: 14,300 km, navigable by river boats _#_Pipelines: crude oil, 3,585 km; refined products, 1,350 km; natural gas, 830 km; natural gas liquids, 125 km _#_Ports: Barranquilla, Buenaventura, Cartagena, Covenas, San Andres, Santa Marta, Tumaco _#_Merchant marine: 35 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 330,316 GRT/484,351 DWT; includes 23 cargo, 1 chemical tanker, 3 petroleum, oils, and lubricants (POL) tanker, 8 bulk; note--2 naval tankers are sometimes used commercially _#_Civil air: 106 major transport aircraft _#_Airports: 1,165 total, 1,045 usable; 69 with permanent-surface runways; 1 with runways over 3,659 m; 8 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 192 with runways 1,220-2,439 m _#_Telecommunications: nationwide radio relay system; 1,890,000 telephones; stations--413 AM, no FM, 33 TV, 28 shortwave 2 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth stations with 2 antennas and 11 domestic satellite stations _*_Defense Forces _#_Branches: Army (Ejercito Nacional), Navy (Armada Nacional), Air Force (Fuerza Aerea de Colombia), National Police (Policia Nacional) _#_Manpower availability: males 15-49, 8,998,759; 6,102,745 fit for military service; 353,122 reach military age (18) annually _#_Defense expenditures: $892 million, 2.2% of GDP (1990) _%_ _@_Comoros _*_Geography _#_Total area: 2,170 km2; land area: 2,170 km2 _#_Comparative area: slightly more than 12 times the size of Washington, DC _#_Land boundaries: none _#_Coastline: 340 km _#_Maritime claims: Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm; Territorial sea: 12 nm _#_Disputes: claims French-administered Mayotte _#_Climate: tropical marine; rainy season (November to May) _#_Terrain: volcanic islands, interiors vary from steep mountains to low hills _#_Natural resources: negligible _#_Land use: arable land 35%; permanent crops 8%; meadows and pastures 7%; forest and woodland 16%; other 34% _#_Environment: soil degradation and erosion; deforestation; cyclones possible during rainy season _#_Note: important location at northern end of Mozambique Channel _*_People _#_Population: 476,678 (July 1991), growth rate 3.5% (1991) _#_Birth rate: 47 births/1,000 population (1991) _#_Death rate: 12 deaths/1,000 population (1991) _#_Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1991) _#_Infant mortality rate: 87 deaths/1,000 live births (1991) _#_Life expectancy at birth: 54 years male, 59 years female (1991) _#_Total fertility rate: 7.0 children born/woman (1991) _#_Nationality: noun--Comoran(s); adjective--Comoran _#_Ethnic divisions: Antalote, Cafre, Makoa, Oimatsaha, Sakalava _#_Religion: Sunni Muslim 86%, Roman Catholic 14% _#_Language: Shaafi Islam (a Swahili dialect), Malagasy, French _#_Literacy: 48% (male 56%, female 40%) age 15 and over can read and write (1980) _#_Labor force: 140,000 (1982); agriculture 80%, government 3%; 51% of population of working age (1985) _#_Organized labor: NA _*_Government _#_Long-form name: Federal Islamic Republic of the Comoros _#_Type: independent republic _#_Capital: Moroni _#_Administrative divisions: 3 islands; Anjouan, Grande Comore, Moheli; note--there may also be 4 municipalities named Domoni, Fomboni, Moroni, and Mutsamudu _#_Independence: 6 July 1975 (from France) _#_Constitution: 1 October 1978, amended October 1982 and January 1985 _#_Legal system: French and Muslim law in a new consolidated code _#_National holiday: Independence Day, 6 July (1975) _#_Executive branch: president, Council of Ministers (cabinet) _#_Legislative branch: unicameral Federal Assembly (Assemblee Federale) _#_Judicial branch: Supreme Court (Cour Supreme) _#_Leaders: Chief of State and Head of Government--President Said Mohamed DJOHAR (since 11 March 1990) _#_Political parties: Comoran Union for Progress (Udzima), Said Mohamed DJOHAR, president; National Union for Democracy (UNDC), Mohamed TAKI _#_Suffrage: universal at age 18 _#_Elections: President--last held 11 March 1990 (next to be held March 1996); results--Said Mohamed DJOHAR (Udzima) 55%; Mohamed TAKI Abdulkarim (UNDC) 45%; Federal Assembly--last held 22 March 1987 (next to be held March 1992); results--percent of vote by party NA; seats--(42 total) Udzima 42 _#_Member of: ACCT, ACP, AfDB, ECA, FAO, FZ, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IDB, IFAD, ILO, IMF, ITU, NAM, OAU, OIC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WMO _#_Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Amini Ali MOUMIN; Chancery (temporary) at the Comoran Permanent Mission to the UN, 336 East 45th Street, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10017; telephone (212) 972-8010; US--Ambassador Kenneth N. PELTIER; Embassy at address NA, Moroni (mailing address B. P. 1318, Moroni); telephone 73-22-03, 73-29-22 _#_Flag: green with a white crescent placed diagonally (closed side of the crescent points to the upper hoist-side corner of the flag); there are four white five-pointed stars placed in a line between the points of the crescent; the crescent, stars, and color green are traditional symbols of Islam; the four stars represent the four main islands of the archipelago--Mwali, Njazidja, Nzwani, and Mayotte (which is a territorial collectivity of France, but claimed by the Comoros) _*_Economy _#_Overview: One of the world's poorest countries, Comoros is made up of several islands that have poor transportation links, a young and rapidly increasing population, and few natural resources. The low educational level of the labor force contributes to a low level of economic activity, high unemployment, and a heavy dependence on foreign grants and technical assistance. Agriculture, including fishing and forestry, is the leading sector of the economy. It contributes about 40% to GDP, employs 80% of the labor force, and provides most of the exports. The country is not self-sufficient in food production, and rice, the main staple, accounts for 90% of imports. During the period 1982-86 the industrial sector grew at an annual average rate of 5.3%, but its contribution to GDP was only 5% in 1988. Despite major investment in the tourist industry, which accounts for about 25% of GDP, growth has stagnated since 1983. A sluggish growth rate of 1.5% during 1985-90 has led to large budget deficits, declining incomes, and balance-of-payments difficulties. _#_GDP: $245 million, per capita $530; real growth rate 1.5% (1990 est.) _#_Inflation rate (consumer prices): 2.9% (1989) _#_Unemployment rate: over 16% (1988 est.) _#_Budget: revenues $88 million; expenditures $92 million, including capital expenditures of $13 million (1990 est.) _#_Exports: $16 million (f.o.b., 1990 est.); commodities--vanilla, cloves, perfume oil, copra; partners--US 53%, France 41%, Africa 4%, FRG 2% (1988) _#_Imports: $41 million (f.o.b., 1990 est.); commodities--rice and other foodstuffs, cement, petroleum products, consumer goods; partners--Europe 62% (France 22%, other 40%), Africa 5%, Pakistan, China (1988) _#_External debt: $242 million (December 1990) _#_Industrial production: growth rate 3.4% (1988 est.); accounts for 5% of GDP _#_Electricity: 16,000 kW capacity; 24 million kWh produced, 55 kWh per capita (1989) _#_Industries: perfume distillation, textiles, furniture, jewelry, construction materials _#_Agriculture: accounts for 40% of GDP; most of population works in subsistence agriculture and fishing; plantations produce cash crops for export--vanilla, cloves, perfume essences, and copra; principal food crops--coconuts, bananas, cassava; world's leading producer of essence of ylang-ylang (for perfumes) and second-largest producer of vanilla; large net food importer _#_Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY80-89), $10 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-88), $406 million; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $22 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $18 million _#_Currency: Comoran franc (plural--francs); 1 Comoran franc (CF) = 100 centimes _#_Exchange rates: Comoran francs (CF) per US$1--256.54 (January 1991), 272.26 (1990), 319.01 (1989), 297.85 (1988), 300.54 (1987), 346.30 (1986), 449.26 (1985); note--linked to the French franc at 50 to 1 French franc _#_Fiscal year: calendar year _*_Communications _#_Highways: 750 km total; about 210 km bituminous, remainder crushed stone or gravel _#_Ports: Mutsamudu, Moroni _#_Civil air: 4 major transport aircraft _#_Airports: 4 total, 4 usable; 4 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 1 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 3 with runways 1,220-2,439 m _#_Telecommunications: sparse system of radio relay and high-frequency radio communication stations for interisland and external communications to Madagascar and Reunion; over 1,800 telephones; stations--2 AM, 1 FM, 1 TV _*_Defense Forces _#_Branches: Comoran Defense Force (FCD), Federal Gendarmerie (GFC) _#_Manpower availability: males 15-49, 101,332; 60,592 fit for military service _#_Defense expenditures: $NA, 3% of GDP (1981) _%_ _@_Congo _*_Geography _#_Total area: 342,000 km2; land area: 341,500 km2 _#_Comparative area: slightly smaller than Montana _#_Land boundaries: 5,504 km total; Angola 201 km, Cameroon 523 km, Central African Republic 467 km, Gabon 1,903 km, Zaire 2,410 km _#_Coastline: 169 km _#_Maritime claims: Territorial sea: 200 nm _#_Disputes: long section with Zaire along the Congo River is indefinite (no division of the river or its islands has been made) _#_Climate: tropical; rainy season (March to June); dry season (June to October); constantly high temperatures and humidity; particularly enervating climate astride the Equator _#_Terrain: coastal plain, southern basin, central plateau, northern basin _#_Natural resources: petroleum, timber, potash, lead, zinc, uranium, copper, phosphates, natural gas _#_Land use: arable land 2%; permanent crops NEGL%; meadows and pastures 29%; forest and woodland 62%; other 7% _#_Environment: deforestation; about 70% of the population lives in Brazzaville, Pointe Noire, or along the railroad between them _*_People _#_Population: 2,309,444 (July 1991), growth rate 3.0% (1991) _#_Birth rate: 43 births/1,000 population (1991) _#_Death rate: 13 deaths/1,000 population (1991) _#_Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1991) _#_Infant mortality rate: 108 deaths/1,000 live births (1991) _#_Life expectancy at birth: 52 years male, 56 years female (1991) _#_Total fertility rate: 5.7 children born/woman (1991) _#_Nationality: noun--Congolese (sing., pl.); adjective--Congolese or Congo _#_Ethnic divisions: about 15 ethnic groups divided into some 75 tribes, almost all Bantu; most important ethnic groups are Kongo (48%) in the south, Sangha (20%) and M'Bochi (12%) in the north, Teke (17%) in the center; about 8,500 Europeans, mostly French _#_Religion: Christian 50%, animist 48%, Muslim 2% _#_Language: French (official); many African languages with Lingala and Kikongo most widely used _#_Literacy: 57% (male 70%, female 44%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) _#_Labor force: 79,100 wage earners; agriculture 75%, commerce, industry, and government 25%; 51% of population of working age; 40% of population economically active (1985) _#_Organized labor: 20% of labor force (1979 est.) _*_Government _#_Long-form name: Republic of the Congo _#_Type: republic _#_Capital: Brazzaville _#_Administrative divisions: 9 regions (regions, singular--region); Bouenza, Cuvette, Kouilou, Lekoumou, Likouala, Niari, Plateaux, Pool, Sangha; note--there may be a new capital district of Brazzaville _#_Independence: 15 August 1960 (from France; formerly Congo/Brazzaville) _#_Constitution: 8 July 1979, currently being modified _#_Legal system: based on French civil law system and customary law _#_National holiday: National Day, 15 August (1960) _#_Executive branch: president, prime minister, Council of Ministers (cabinet) _#_Legislative branch: unicameral National People's Assembly (Assemblee Nationale Populaire) _#_Judicial branch: Supreme Court (Cour Supreme) _#_Leaders: Chief of State--President Denis SASSOU-NGUESSO (since 8 February 1979); Head of Government--Prime Minister Brig. Gen. Louis-Sylvain GOMA (since 9 January 1991) _#_Political parties and leaders: Congolese Labor Party (PCT), President Denis SASSOU-NGUESSO, leader; note--multiparty system legalized, with over 50 parties established _#_Suffrage: universal at age 18 _#_Elections: President--last held 26-31 July 1989 (next to be held July 1994); results--President SASSOU-NGUESSO unanimously reelected leader of the PCT by the Party Congress, which automatically made him president; People's National Assembly--last held 24 September 1989 (next to be held NA 1994); results--PCT was the only party; seats--(153 total) single list of candidates nominated by the PCT _#_Communists: unknown number of Communists and sympathizers _#_Other political or pressure groups: Union of Congolese Socialist Youth (UJSC), Congolese Trade Union Congress (CSC), Revolutionary Union of Congolese Women (URFC), General Union of Congolese Pupils and Students (UGEEC) _#_Member of: ACCT, ACP, AfDB, BDEAC, CCC, CEEAC, ECA, FAO, FZ, G-77, GATT, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU, UDEAC, UN, UNAVEM, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO _#_Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Roger ISSOMBO; Chancery at 4891 Colorado Avenue NW, Washington DC 20011; telephone (202) 726-5500; US--Ambassador James Daniel PHILLIPS; Embassy at Avenue Amilcar Cabral, Brazzaville (mailing address is B. P. 1015, Brazzaville, or Box C, APO New York 09662-0006); telephone (242) 83-20-70 or 83-26-24 _#_Flag: red with the national emblem in the upper hoist-side corner; the emblem includes a yellow five-pointed star above a crossed hoe and hammer (like the hammer and sickle design) in yellow, flanked by two curved green palm branches; uses the popular pan-African colors of Ethiopia _*_Economy _#_Overview: Oil has supplanted forestry as the mainstay of the economy, providing about two-thirds of government revenues and exports. In the early 1980s rapidly rising oil revenues enabled Congo to finance large-scale development projects with growth averaging 5% annually, one of the highest rates in Africa. The world decline in oil prices, however, has forced the government to launch an austerity program to cope with declining receipts and mounting foreign debts. _#_GDP: $2.26 billion, per capita $1,050; real growth rate 0.6% (1989 est.) _#_Inflation rate (consumer prices): 4.6% (1989 est.) _#_Unemployment rate: NA% _#_Budget: revenues $522 million; expenditures $767 million, including capital expenditures of $141 million (1989) _#_Exports: $751 million (f.o.b., 1988); commodities--crude petroleum 72%, lumber, plywood, coffee, cocoa, sugar, diamonds; partners--US, France, other EC _#_Imports: $564 million (c.i.f., 1988); commodities--foodstuffs, consumer goods, intermediate manufactures, capital equipment; partners--France, Italy, other EC, US, FRG, Spain, Japan, Brazil _#_External debt: $4.5 billion (December 1988) _#_Industrial production: growth rate 1.2% (1989); accounts for 33% of GDP, including petroleum _#_Electricity: 133,000 kW capacity; 300 million kWh produced, 130 kWh per capita (1989) _#_Industries: crude oil, cement, sawmills, brewery, sugar mill, palm oil, soap, cigarettes _#_Agriculture: accounts for 10% of GDP (including fishing and forestry); cassava accounts for 90% of food output; other crops--rice, corn, peanuts, vegetables; cash crops include coffee and cocoa; forest products important export earner; imports over 90% of food needs _#_Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $60 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-88), $2.2 billion; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $15 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $338 million _#_Currency: Communaute Financiere Africaine franc (plural--francs); 1 CFA franc (CFAF) = 100 centimes _#_Exchange rates: Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (CFAF) per US$1--256.54 (January 1991), 272.26 (1990), 319.01 (1989), 297.85 (1988), 300.54 (1987), 346.30 (1986), 449.26 (1985) _#_Fiscal year: calendar year _*_Communications _#_Railroads: 797 km, 1.067-meter gauge, single track (includes 285 km that are privately owned) _#_Highways: 12,000 km total; 560 km bituminous surface treated; 850 km gravel, laterite; 5,350 km improved earth; 5,240 km unimproved roads _#_Inland waterways: the Congo and Ubangi (Oubangui) Rivers provide 1,120 km of commercially navigable water transport; the rest are used for local traffic only _#_Pipelines: crude oil 25 km _#_Ports: Pointe-Noire (ocean port), Brazzaville (river port) _#_Civil air: 4 major transport aircraft _#_Airports: 50 total, 45 usable; 5 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 1 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 18 with runways 1,220-2,439 m _#_Telecommunications: services adequate for government use; primary network is composed of radio relay routes and coaxial cables; key centers are Brazzaville, Pointe-Noire, and Loubomo; 18,100 telephones; stations--3 AM, 1 FM, 4 TV; 1 Atlantic Ocean satellite station _*_Defense Forces _#_Branches: Army, Navy (including Marines), Air Force, paramilitary National People's Militia, National Police _#_Manpower availability: males 15-49, 509,040; 258,861 fit for military service; 24,068 reach military age (20) annually _#_Defense expenditures: $99 million, 4.6% of GDP (1987 est.) _%_ _@_Cook Islands (free association with New Zealand) _*_Geography _#_Total area: 240 km2; land area: 240 km2 _#_Comparative area: slightly less than 1.3 times the size of Washington, DC _#_Land boundaries: none _#_Coastline: 120 km _#_Maritime claims: Continental shelf: edge of continental margin or minimum of 200 nm; Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm; Territorial sea: 12 nm _#_Climate: tropical; moderated by trade winds _#_Terrain: low coral atolls in north; volcanic, hilly islands in south _#_Natural resources: negligible _#_Land use: arable land 4%; permanent crops 22%; meadows and pastures 0%; forest and woodland 0%; other 74% _#_Environment: subject to typhoons from November to March _#_Note: located 4,500 km south of Hawaii in the South Pacific Ocean _*_People _#_Population: 17,882 (July 1991), growth rate 0.5% (1991) _#_Birth rate: 22 births/1,000 population (1991) _#_Death rate: 7 deaths/1,000 population (1991) _#_Net migration rate: - 10 migrants/1,000 population (1991) _#_Infant mortality rate: 24 deaths/1,000 live births (1991) _#_Life expectancy at birth: 67 years male, 72 years female (1991) _#_Total fertility rate: 3.5 children born/woman (1991) _#_Nationality: noun--Cook Islander(s); adjective--Cook Islander _#_Ethnic divisions: Polynesian (full blood) 81.3%, Polynesian and European 7.7%, Polynesian and other 7.7%, European 2.4%, other 0.9% _#_Religion: Christian, majority of populace members of Cook Islands Christian Church _#_Language: English _#_Literacy: NA% (male NA%, female NA%) _#_Labor force: 5,810; agriculture 29%, government 27%, services 25%, industry 15%, and other 4% (1981) _#_Organized labor: NA _*_Government _#_Long-form name: none _#_Type: self-governing in free association with New Zealand; Cook Islands fully responsible for internal affairs; New Zealand retains responsibility for external affairs, in consultation with the Cook Islands _#_Capital: Avarua _#_Administrative divisions: none _#_Independence: became self-governing in free association with New Zealand on 4 August 1965 and has the right at any time to move to full independence by unilateral action _#_Constitution: 4 August 1965 _#_National holiday: NA _#_Executive branch: British monarch, representative of the UK, representative of New Zealand, prime minister, deputy prime minister, Cabinet _#_Legislative branch: unicameral Parliament; note--the House of Arikis (chiefs) advises on traditional matters, but has no legislative powers _#_Judicial branch: High Court _#_Leaders: Chief of State--Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); Representative of the UK Sir Tangaroa TANGAROA (since NA); Representative of New Zealand Adrian SINCOCK (since NA); Head of Government--Prime Minister Geoffrey HENRY (since NA February 1989); Deputy Prime Minister Inatio AKARURU (since NA February 1989) _#_Political parties and leaders: Cook Islands Party, Geoffrey HENRY; Democratic Tumu Party, Vincent INGRAM; Democratic Party, Dr. Vincent Pupuke ROBATI; Cook Islands Labor Party, Rena JONASSEN; Cook Islands People's Party, Sadaraka SADARAKA _#_Suffrage: universal adult at age NA _#_Elections: Parliament--last held 19 January 1989 (next to be held by January 1994); results--percent of vote by party NA; seats--(24 total) Cook Islands Party 12, Democratic Tumu Party 2, opposition coalition (including Democratic Party) 9, independent 1 _#_Member of: AsDB, ESCAP (associate), FAO, ICAO, IOC, SPC, SPF, UNESCO, WHO _#_Diplomatic representation: none (self-governing in free association with New Zealand) _#_Flag: blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and a large circle of 15 white five-pointed stars (one for every island) centered in the outer half of the flag _*_Economy _#_Overview: Agriculture provides the economic base. The major export earners are fruit, copra, and clothing. Manufacturing activities are limited to a fruit-processing plant and several clothing factories. Economic development is hindered by the isolation of the islands from foreign markets and a lack of natural resources and good transportation links. A large trade deficit is annually made up for by remittances from emigrants and from foreign aid. Current economic development plans call for exploiting the tourism potential and expanding the fishing industry. _#_GDP: $40.0 million, per capita $2,200 (1988 est.); real growth rate 5.3% (1986-88 est.) _#_Inflation rate (consumer prices): 8.0% (1988) _#_Unemployment rate: NA% _#_Budget: revenues $33.8 million; expenditures $34.4 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (1990 est.) _#_Exports: $4.0 million (f.o.b., 1988); commodities--copra, fresh and canned fruit, clothing; partners--NZ 80%, Japan _#_Imports: $38.7 million (c.i.f., 1988); commodities--foodstuffs, textiles, fuels, timber; partners--NZ 49%, Japan, Australia, US _#_External debt: $NA _#_Industrial production: growth rate NA% _#_Electricity: 14,000 kW capacity; 21 million kWh produced, 1,170 kWh per capita (1990) _#_Industries: fruit processing, tourism _#_Agriculture: export crops--copra, citrus fruits, pineapples, tomatoes, bananas; subsistence crops--yams, taro _#_Economic aid: Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $128 million _#_Currency: New Zealand dollar (plural--dollars); 1 New Zealand dollar (NZ$) = 100 cents _#_Exchange rates: New Zealand dollars (NZ$) per US$1--1.6798 (January 1991), 1.6750 (1990), 1.6711 (1989), 1.5244 (1988), 1.6886 (1987), 1.9088 (1986), 2.0064 (1985) _#_Fiscal year: 1 April-31 March _*_Communications _#_Highways: 187 km total (1980); 35 km paved, 35 km gravel, 84 km improved earth, 33 km unimproved earth _#_Ports: Avatiu _#_Civil air: no major transport aircraft _#_Airports: 7 total, 6 usable; 1 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 2,439 m; 3 with runways 1,220-2,439 m _#_Telecommunications: stations--2 AM, no FM, no TV; 10,000 radio receivers; 2,052 telephones; 1 Pacific Ocean INTELSAT earth station _*_Defense Forces _#_Note: defense is the responsibility of New Zealand _%_ _@_Coral Sea Islands (territory of Australia) _*_Geography _#_Total area: undetermined; includes numerous small islands and reefs scattered over a sea area of about 1 million km2, with Willis Islets the most important _#_Comparative area: undetermined _#_Land boundaries: none _#_Coastline: 3,095 km _#_Maritime claims: Exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm; Territorial sea: 3 nm _#_Climate: tropical _#_Terrain: sand and coral reefs and islands (or cays) _#_Natural resources: negligible _#_Land use: arable land 0%; permanent crops 0%; meadows and pastures 0%; forest and woodland 0%; other, mostly grass or scrub cover 100%; Lihou Reef Reserve and Coringa-Herald Reserve were declared National Nature Reserves on 3 August 1982 _#_Environment: subject to occasional tropical cyclones; no permanent fresh water; important nesting area for birds and turtles _#_Note: the islands are located just off the northeast coast of Australia in the Coral Sea _*_People _#_Population: 3 meteorologists (1991) _*_Government _#_Long-form name: Coral Sea Islands Territory _#_Type: territory of Australia administered by the Minister for Arts, Sport, the Environment, Tourism, and Territories Roslyn KELLY _#_Flag: the flag of Australia is used _*_Economy _#_Overview: no economic activity _*_Communications _#_Ports: none; offshore anchorages only _*_Defense Forces _#_Note: defense is the responsibility of Australia; visited regularly by the Royal Australian Navy; Australia has control over the activities of visitors _%_ _@_Costa Rica _*_Geography _#_Total area: 51,100 km2; land area: 50,660 km2; includes Isla del Coco _#_Comparative area: slightly smaller than West Virginia _#_Land boundaries: 639 km total; Nicaragua 309 km, Panama 330 km _#_Coastline: 1,290 km _#_Maritime claims: Continental shelf: 200 nm; Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm; Territorial sea: 12 nm _#_Climate: tropical; dry season (December to April); rainy season (May to November) _#_Terrain: coastal plains separated by rugged mountains _#_Natural resources: hydropower potential _#_Land use: arable land 6%; permanent crops 7%; meadows and pastures 45%; forest and woodland 34%; other 8%; includes irrigated 1% _#_Environment: subject to occasional earthquakes, hurricanes along Atlantic coast; frequent flooding of lowlands at onset of rainy season; active volcanoes; deforestation; soil erosion _*_People _#_Population: 3,111,403 (July 1991), growth rate 2.5% (1991) _#_Birth rate: 27 births/1,000 population (1991) _#_Death rate: 4 deaths/1,000 population (1991) _#_Net migration rate: 2 migrants/1,000 population (1991) _#_Infant mortality rate: 15 deaths/1,000 live births (1991) _#_Life expectancy at birth: 75 years male, 79 years female (1991) _#_Total fertility rate: 3.2 children born/woman (1991) _#_Nationality: noun--Costa Rican(s); adjective--Costa Rican _#_Ethnic divisions: white (including mestizo) 96%, black 2%, Indian 1%, Chinese 1% _#_Religion: Roman Catholic 95% _#_Language: Spanish (official), English spoken around Puerto Limon _#_Literacy: 93% (male 93%, female 93%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) _#_Labor force: 868,300; industry and commerce 35.1%, government and services 33%, agriculture 27%, other 4.9% (1985 est.) _#_Organized labor: 15.1% of labor force _*_Government _#_Long-form name: Republic of Costa Rica _#_Type: democratic republic _#_Capital: San Jose _#_Administrative divisions: 7 provinces (provincias, singular--provincia); Alajuela, Cartago, Guanacaste, Heredia, Limon, Puntarenas, San Jose _#_Independence: 15 September 1821 (from Spain) _#_Constitution: 9 November 1949 _#_Legal system: based on Spanish civil law system; judicial review of legislative acts in the Supreme Court; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction _#_National holiday: Independence Day, 15 September (1821) _#_Executive branch: president, two vice presidents, Cabinet _#_Legislative branch: unicameral Legislative Assembly (Asamblea Legislativa) _#_Judicial branch: Supreme Court (Corte Suprema) _#_Leaders: Chief of State and Head of Government--President Rafael Angel CALDERON Fournier (since 8 May 1990); First Vice President German SERRANO Pinto (since 8 May 1990); Second Vice President Arnoldo LOPEZ Echandi (since 8 May 1990) _#_Political parties and leaders: National Liberation Party (PLN), Rolando ARAYA Monge; Social Christian Unity Party (PUSC), Rafael Angel CALDERON Fournier; Marxist Popular Vanguard Party (PVP), Humberto VARGAS Carbonell; New Republic Movement (MNR), Sergio Erick ARDON Ramirez; Progressive Party (PP), Isaac Felipe AZOFEIFA Bolanos; People's Party of Costa Rica (PPC), Lenin ChACON Vargas; Radical Democratic Party (PRD), Juan Jose ECHEVERRIA Brealey _#_Suffrage: universal and compulsory at age 18 _#_Elections: President--last held 4 February 1990 (next to be held February 1994); results--Rafael Angel CALDERON Fournier 51%, Carlos Manuel CASTILLO 47%; Legislative Assembly--last held 4 February 1990 (next to be held February 1994); results--percent of vote by party NA; seats--(57 total) PUSC 29, PLN 25, PVP/PPC 1, regional parties 2 _#_Communists: 7,500 members and sympathizers _#_Other political or pressure groups: Costa Rican Confederation of Democratic Workers (CCTD; Liberation Party affiliate), Confederated Union of Workers (CUT; Communist Party affiliate), Authentic Confederation of Democratic Workers (CATD; Communist Party affiliate), Chamber of Coffee Growers, National Association for Economic Development (ANFE), Free Costa Rica Movement (MCRL; rightwing militants), National Association of Educators (ANDE) _#_Member of: AG (observer), BCIE, CACM, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, GATT, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ITU, LAES, LAIA (observer), LORCS, NAM (observer), OAS, OPANAL, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO _#_Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Gonzalo FACIO Segreda; Chancery at Suite 211, 1825 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington DC 20009; telephone (202) 234-2945 through 2947; there are Costa Rican Consulates General at Albuquerque, Boston, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, San Antonio, San Diego, San Francisco, San Juan (Puerto Rico), and Tampa, and Consulates in Austin, Buffalo, Honolulu, and Raleigh; US--Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Robert O. HOMME; Embassy at Pavas Road, San Jose (mailing address is APO Miami 34020); telephone [506] 20-39-39 _#_Flag: five horizontal bands of blue (top), white, red (double width), white, and blue with the coat of arms in a white disk on the hoist side of the red band _*_Economy _#_Overview: In 1990 the economy grew at an estimated 3.5% rate, a decrease from the strong 5.0% gain of the previous year. Gains in agricultural production (on the strength of good coffee and banana crops) and in construction, were partially offset by lower rates of growth for industry. In 1990 consumer prices rose by about 25% and the trade deficit widened. Unemployment is officially reported at 6%, but much underemployment remains. External debt, on a per capita basis, is among the world's highest. _#_GDP: $5.5 billion, per capita $1,810; real growth rate 3.6% (1990) _#_Inflation rate (consumer prices): 25% (1990 est.) _#_Unemployment rate: 6% (1990) _#_Budget: revenues $831 million; expenditures $1.08 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA (1990 est.) _#_Exports: $1.4 billion (f.o.b., 1990); commodities--coffee, bananas, textiles, sugar; partners--US 75%, FRG, Guatemala, Netherlands, UK, Japan _#_Imports: $1.8 billion (c.i.f., 1990); commodities--petroleum, machinery, consumer durables, chemicals, fertilizer, foodstuffs; partners--US 35%, Japan, Guatemala, FRG _#_External debt: $4.5 billion (1989) _#_Industrial production: growth rate 2.3% (1990 est.); accounts for 23% of GDP _#_Electricity: 927,000 kW capacity; 2,987 million kWh produced, 980 kWh per capita (1990) _#_Industries: food processing, textiles and clothing, construction materials, fertilizer, plastic products _#_Agriculture: accounts for 20-25% of GDP and 70% of exports; cash commodities--coffee, beef, bananas, sugar; other food crops include corn, rice, beans, potatoes; normally self-sufficient in food except for grain; depletion of forest resources resulting in lower timber output _#_Illicit drugs: illicit production of cannabis on small scattered plots; transshipment country for cocaine from South America _#_Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $1.4 billion; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-88), $781 million; Communist countries (1971-88), $27 million _#_Currency: Costa Rican colon (plural--colones); 1 Costa Rican colon (C) = 100 centimos _#_Exchange rates: Costa Rican colones (C) per US$1--105.82 (January 1991), 91.58 (1990), 81.504 (1989), 75.805 (1988), 62.776 (1987), 55.986 (1986), 50.453 (1985) _#_Fiscal year: calendar year _*_Communications _#_Railroads: 950 km total, all 1.067-meter gauge; 260 km electrified _#_Highways: 15,400 km total; 7,030 km paved, 7,010 km gravel, 1,360 km unimproved earth _#_Inland waterways: about 730 km, seasonally navigable _#_Pipelines: refined products, 176 km _#_Ports: Puerto Limon, Caldera, Golfito, Moin, Puntarenas _#_Merchant marine: 12 cargo ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 2,831 GRT/4,506 DWT _#_Civil air: 9 major transport aircraft _#_Airports: 173 total, 159 usable; 26 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 1 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 11 with runways 1,220-2,439 m _#_Telecommunications: very good domestic telephone service; 292,000 telephones; connection into Central American Microwave System; stations--71 AM, no FM, 18 TV, 13 shortwave; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station _*_Defense Forces _#_Branches: Civil Guard, Rural Assistance Guard; note--Constitution prohibits armed forces _#_Manpower availability: males 15-49, 807,853; 545,541 fit for military service; 32,149 reach military age (18) annually _#_Defense expenditures: $20 million, 0.4% of GDP (1988) _%_ _@_Cuba _*_Geography _#_Total area: 110,860 km2; land area: 110,860 km2 _#_Comparative area: slightly smaller than Pennsylvania _#_Land boundary: 29.1 km with US Naval Base at Guantanamo; note--Guantanamo is leased and as such remains part of Cuba _#_Coastline: 3,735 km _#_Maritime claims: Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm; Territorial sea: 12 nm _#_Disputes: US Naval Base at Guantanamo is leased to US and only mutual agreement or US abandonment of the area can terminate the lease _#_Climate: tropical; moderated by trade winds; dry season (November to April); rainy season (May to October) _#_Terrain: mostly flat to rolling plains with rugged hills and mountains in the southeast _#_Natural resources: cobalt, nickel, iron ore, copper, manganese, salt, timber, silica _#_Land use: arable land 23%; permanent crops 6%; meadows and pastures 23%; forest and woodland 17%; other 31%; includes irrigated 10% _#_Environment: averages one hurricane every other year _#_Note: largest country in Caribbean; 145 km south of Florida _*_People _#_Population: 10,732,037 (July 1991), growth rate 1.0% (1991) _#_Birth rate: 18 births/1,000 population (1991) _#_Death rate: 7 deaths/1,000 population (1991) _#_Net migration rate: - 1 migrant/1,000 population (1991) _#_Infant mortality rate: 12 deaths/1,000 live births (1991) _#_Life expectancy at birth: 73 years male, 78 years female (1991) _#_Total fertility rate: 1.9 children born/woman (1991) _#_Nationality: noun--Cuban(s); adjective--Cuban _#_Ethnic divisions: mulatto 51%, white 37%, black 11%, Chinese 1% _#_Religion: 85% nominally Roman Catholic before Castro assumed power _#_Language: Spanish _#_Literacy: 94% (male 95%, female 93%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) _#_Labor force: 3,578,800 in state sector; services and government 30%, industry 22%, agriculture 20%, commerce 11%, construction 10%, transportation and communications 7% (June 1990); economically active population 4,620,800 (1988) _#_Organized labor: Workers Central Union of Cuba (CTC), only labor federation approved by government; 2,910,000 members; the CTC is an umbrella organization composed of 17 member unions _*_Government _#_Long-form name: Republic of Cuba _#_Type: Communist state _#_Capital: Havana _#_Administrative divisions: 14 provinces (provincias, singular--provincia) and 1 special municipality* (municipio especial); Camaguey, Ciego de Avila, Cienfuegos, Ciudad de La Habana, Granma, Guantanamo, Holguin, Isla de la Juventud*, La Habana, Las Tunas, Matanzas, Pinar del Rio, Sancti Spiritus, Santiago de Cuba, Villa Clara _#_Independence: 20 May 1902 (from Spain 10 December 1898; administered by the US from 1898 to 1902) _#_Constitution: 24 February 1976 _#_Legal system: based on Spanish and American law, with large elements of Communist legal theory; does not accept compulsory ICJ jurisdiction _#_National holiday: Revolution Day, 1 January (1959) _#_Executive branch: president of the Council of State, first vice president of the Council of State, Council of State, president of the Council of Ministers, first vice president of the Council of Ministers, Council of Ministers _#_Legislative branch: unicameral National Assembly of the People's Power (Asamblea Nacional del Poder Popular) _#_Judicial branch: People's Supreme Court _#_Leaders: Chief of State and Head of Government--President of the Council of State and President of the Council of Ministers Fidel CASTRO Ruz (became Prime Minister in February 1959 and President since 2 December 1976); First Vice President of the Council of State and First Vice President of the Council of Ministers Gen. Raul CASTRO Ruz (since 2 December 1976) _#_Political parties and leaders: only party--Cuban Communist Party (PCC), Fidel CASTRO Ruz, first secretary _#_Suffrage: universal at age 16 _#_Elections: National Assembly of the People's Power--last held NA December 1986 (next to be held December 1991); results--PCC is the only party; seats--(510 total) PCC 510 (indirectly elected) _#_Communists: about 600,000 full and candidate members _#_Member of: CCC, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, GATT, IAEA, IBEC, ICAO, IFAD, IIB, ILO, IMO, INTERPOL, IOC, ISO, ITU, LAES, LAIA (observer), LORCS, NAM, OAS (excluded from formal participation since 1962), OPANAL (observer), PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO _#_Diplomatic representation: none; protecting power in the US is Switzerland--Cuban Interests Section; Counselor Jose Antonio ARBESU Fraga; 2630 and 2639 16th Street NW, Washington DC 20009; telephone (202) 797-8518 or 8519, 8520, 8609, 8610; US--protecting power in Cuba is Switzerland--US Interests Section; Principal Officer Alan H. FLANIGAN; Calzada entre L y M, Vedado Seccion, Havana (mailing address is USINT, c/o International Purchasing Group, 2052 NW 93rd Avenue, Miami, FL 33172); telephone 329-700 _#_Flag: five equal horizontal bands of blue (top and bottom) alternating with white; a red equilateral triangle based on the hoist side bears a white five-pointed star in the center _*_Economy _#_Overview: The economy, centrally planned and largely state owned, is highly dependent on the agricultural sector and foreign trade. Sugar provides about 75% of export revenues and over half is exported to the USSR. The economy has stagnated since 1985 under policies that have deemphasized material incentives in the workplace, abolished farmers' informal produce markets, and raised prices of government-supplied goods and services. In 1990 the economy probably fell 3%, largely as a result of declining trade with the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe. Recently the government has been trying to increase trade with Latin America and China. Cuba has had difficulty servicing its foreign debt since 1982. The government currently is encouraging foreign investment in tourist facilities. Other investment priorities include sugar, basic foods, and nickel. The annual $4 billion Soviet subsidy, a main prop to Cuba's threadbare economy, is likely to show a substantial decline over the next few years in view of the USSR's mounting economic problems. Instead of highly subsidized trade, Cuba will be shifting to trade at market prices in convertible currencies. In early 1991, the shortages of fuels, spare parts, and industrial products in general had become so severe as to amount to a deindustrialization process in the eyes of some observers. _#_GNP: $20.9 billion, per capita $2,000; real growth rate - 3% (1990 est.) _#_Inflation rate (consumer prices): NA% _#_Unemployment: 6% overall, 10% for women (1989) _#_Budget: revenues $12.46 billion; expenditures $14.45 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA (1990 est.) _#_Exports: $5.4 billion (f.o.b., 1989); commodities--sugar, nickel, shellfish, citrus, tobacco, coffee; partners--USSR 67%, GDR 6%, China 4% (1988) _#_Imports: $8.1 billion (c.i.f., 1989); commodities--capital goods, industrial raw materials, food, petroleum; partners--USSR 71%, other Communist countries 15% (1988) _#_External debt: $6.8 billion (convertible currency, July 1989) _#_Industrial production: 3% (1988); accounts for 45% of GDP _#_Electricity: 3,890,000 kW capacity; 16,267 million kWh produced, 1,530 kWh per capita (1990) _#_Industries: sugar milling, petroleum refining, food and tobacco processing, textiles, chemicals, paper and wood products, metals (particularly nickel), cement, fertilizers, consumer goods, agricultural machinery _#_Agriculture: accounts for 11% of GNP (including fishing and forestry); key commercial crops--sugarcane, tobacco, and citrus fruits; other products--coffee, rice, potatoes, meat, beans; world's largest sugar exporter; not self-sufficient in food (excluding sugar) _#_Economic aid: Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-88), $695 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $18.5 billion _#_Currency: Cuban peso (plural--pesos); 1 Cuban peso (Cu$) = 100 centavos _#_Exchange rates: Cuban pesos (Cu$) per US$1--1.0000 (linked to the US dollar) _#_Fiscal year: calendar year _*_Communications _#_Railroads: 14,925 km total; Cuban National Railways operates 5,295 km of 1.435-meter gauge track; 199 km electrified; 9,630 km of sugar plantation lines of 0.914-1.435-meter gauge _#_Highways: 26,477 km total; 14,477 km paved, 12,000 km gravel and earth surfaced (1989 est.) _#_Inland waterways: 240 km _#_Ports: Cienfuegos, Havana, Mariel, Matanzas, Santiago de Cuba; 7 secondary, 35 minor _#_Merchant marine: 87 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 638,462 GRT/925,380 DWT; includes 54 cargo, 9 refrigerated cargo, 2 cargo/training, 12 petroleum, oils, and lubricants (POL) tanker, 1 chemical tanker, 3 liquefied gas, 6 bulk; note--Cuba beneficially owns an additional 37 ships (1,000 GRT and over) totaling 512,346 DWT under the registry of Panama, Cyprus, and Malta _#_Civil air: 59 major transport aircraft _#_Airports: 205 total, 176 usable; 75 with permanent-surface runways; 3 with runways over 3,659 m; 12 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 25 with runways 1,220-2,439 m _#_Telecommunications: stations--150 AM, 5 FM, 58 TV; 1,530,000 TVs; 2,140,000 radios; 229,000 telephones; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station _*_Defense Forces _#_Branches: Revolutionary Armed Forces (including Ground Forces, Revolutionary Navy, Air and Air Defense Force), Ministry of Interior Special Troops, Border Guard Troops, Territorial Militia Troops, Youth Labor Army, Civil Defense, National Revolutionary Police _#_Manpower availability: eligible 15-49, 6,087,253; of the 3,054,158 males 15-49, 1,914,080 are fit for military service; of the 3,033,095 females 15-49, 1,896,449 are fit for military service; 89,194 males and 85,968 females reach military age (17) annually _#_Defense expenditures: $1.2-$1.4 billion, 6% of GNP (1989 est.) _%_ _@_Cyprus _*_Geography _#_Total area: 9,250 km2; land area: 9,240 km2 _#_Comparative area: about 0.7 times the size of Connecticut _#_Land boundaries: none _#_Coastline: 648 km _#_Maritime claims: Continental shelf: 200 m (depth) or to depth of exploitation; Territorial sea: 12 nm _#_Disputes: 1974 hostilities divided the island into two de facto autonomous areas--a Greek area controlled by the Cypriot Government (60% of the island's land area) and a Turkish-Cypriot area (35% of the island) that are separated by a narrow UN buffer zone; in addition, there are two UK sovereign base areas (about 5% of the island's land area) _#_Climate: temperate, Mediterranean with hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters _#_Terrain: central plain with mountains to north and south _#_Natural resources: copper, pyrites, asbestos, gypsum, timber, salt, marble, clay earth pigment _#_Land use: arable land 40%; permanent crops 7%; meadows and pastures 10%; forest and woodland 18%; other 25%; includes irrigated 10% (most irrigated lands are in the Turkish-Cypriot area of the island) _#_Environment: moderate earthquake activity; water resource problems (no natural reservoir catchments, seasonal disparity in rainfall, and most potable resources concentrated in the Turkish-Cypriot area) _*_People _#_Population: 709,343 (July 1991), growth rate 1.0% (1991) _#_Birth rate: 18 births/1,000 population (1991) _#_Death rate: 8 deaths/1,000 population (1991) _#_Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1991) _#_Infant mortality rate: 10 deaths/1,000 live births (1991) _#_Life expectancy at birth: 73 years male, 78 years female (1991) _#_Total fertility rate: 2.4 children born/woman (1991) _#_Nationality: noun--Cypriot(s); adjective--Cypriot _#_Ethnic divisions: Greek 78%; Turkish 18%; other 4% _#_Religion: Greek Orthodox 78%, Muslim 18%, Maronite, Armenian, Apostolic, and other 4% _#_Language: Greek, Turkish, English _#_Literacy: 90% (male 96%, female 85%) age 10 and over can read and write (1976) _#_Labor force: Greek area--246,100; services 42%, industry 33%, agriculture 22%; Turkish area--NA (1989) _#_Organized labor: 156,000 (1985 est.) _*_Government _#_Long-form name: Republic of Cyprus _#_Type: republic; a disaggregation of the two ethnic communities inhabiting the island began after the outbreak of communal strife in 1963; this separation was further solidified following the Turkish invasion of the island in July 1974, which gave the Turkish Cypriots de facto control in the north; Greek Cypriots control the only internationally recognized government; on 15 November 1983 Turkish Cypriot President Rauf Denktash declared independence and the formation of a Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, which has been recognized only by Turkey; both sides publicly call for the resolution of intercommunal differences and creation of a new federal system of government _#_Capital: Nicosia _#_Administrative divisions: 6 districts; Famagusta, Kyrenia, Larnaca, Limassol, Nicosia, Paphos _#_Independence: 16 August 1960 (from UK) _#_Constitution: 16 August 1960; negotiations to create the basis for a new or revised constitution to govern the island and to better relations between Greek and Turkish Cypriots have been held intermittently; in 1975 Turkish Cypriots created their own Constitution and governing bodies within the Turkish Federated State of Cyprus, which was renamed the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus in 1983; a new Constitution for the Turkish area passed by referendum in May 1985 _#_Legal system: based on common law, with civil law modifications _#_National holiday: Independence Day, 1 October _#_Executive branch: president, Council of Ministers (cabinet); note--there is a president, prime minister, and Council of Ministers (cabinet) in the Turkish area _#_Legislative branch: unicameral House of Representatives (Vouli Antiprosopon); note--there is a unicameral Assembly of the Republic (Cumhuriyet Meclisi) in the Turkish area _#_Judicial branch: Supreme Court; note--there is also a Supreme Court in the Turkish area _#_Leaders: Chief of State and Head of Government--President George VASSILIOU (since February 1988); note--Rauf R. DENKTASH has been president of the Turkish area since 13 February 1975 _#_Political parties and leaders: Greek Cypriot--Progressive Party of the Working People (AKEL; Communist Party), Dimitrios CHRISTOFIAS, Democratic Rally (DESY), Glafcos CLERIDES; Democratic Party (DEKO), Spyros KYPRIANOU; United Democratic Union of the Center (EDEK), Vassos LYSSARIDES; Socialist Democratic Renewal Movement (ADESOK), Pavlos DINGLIS, chairman; Liberal Party, Nikos ROLANDIS; Turkish area--National Unity Party (UBP), Dervis EROGLU; Communal Liberation Party (TKP), Mustafa AKINCI; Republican Turkish Party (CTP), Ozker OZGUR; New Cyprus Party (NKP), Alpay DURDURAN; New Dawn Party (YDP), Ali Ozkan ALTINISHIK; Free Democratic Party, Ismet KOTAK; note--CTP, TKP, and YDP joined in the coalition Democratic Struggle Party (DMP) for the 22 April 1990 legislative election _#_Suffrage: universal at age 18 _#_Elections: President--last held 14 February and 21 February 1988 (next to be held February 1993); results--George VASSILIOU 52%, Glafcos CLERIDES 48%; House of Representatives--last held 8 December 1985 (next to be held 19 May 1991); results--DESY 33.56%, DEKO 27.65%, AKEL (Communist) 27.43%, EDEK 11.07%; seats--(56 total) DESY 19, DEKO 16, AKEL (Communist) 15, EDEK 6; Turkish Area: President--last held 22 April 1990 (next to be held April 1995); results--Rauf R. DENKTASH 66%, Ismail BOZKURT 32.05%; Turkish Area: Assembly of the Republic--last held 6 May 1990 (next to be held May 1995); results--UBP (conservative) about 55%, DMP NA%; seats--(50 total) UBP (conservative) 34, CTP (Communist) 7, TKP (center-right) 7, New Dawn Party 2 _#_Communists: about 12,000 _#_Other political or pressure groups: United Democratic Youth Organization (EDON; Communist controlled); Union of Cyprus Farmers (EKA; Communist controlled); Cyprus Farmers Union (PEK; pro-West); Pan-Cyprian Labor Federation (PEO; Communist controlled); Confederation of Cypriot Workers (SEK; pro-West); Federation of Turkish Cypriot Labor Unions (Turk-Sen); Confederation of Revolutionary Labor Unions (Dev-Is) _#_Member of: C, CCC, CE, CSCE, EBRD, ECE, FAO, G-77, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, NAM, OAS (observer), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO _#_Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Michael E. SHERIFIS; Chancery at 2211 R Street NW, Washington DC 20008; telephone (202) 462-5772; there is a Cypriot Consulate General in New York; US--Ambassador Robert E. LAMB; Embassy at the corner of Therissos Street and Dositheos Street, Nicosia (mailing address is FPO New York 09530); telephone [357] (2) 4651511 _#_Flag: white with a copper-colored silhouette of the island (the name Cyprus is derived from the Greek word for copper) above two green crossed olive branches in the center of the flag; the branches symbolize the hope for peace and reconciliation between the Greek and Turkish communities _*_Economy _#_Overview: These data are for the area controlled by the Republic of Cyprus (information on the northern Turkish-Cypriot area is sparse). The economy is small, diversified, and prosperous. Industry contributes about 25% to GDP and employs 35% of the labor force, while the service sector contributes about 55% to GDP and employs 40% of the labor force. Rapid growth in exports of agricultural and manufactured products and in tourism have played important roles in the average 6% rise in GDP in recent years. _#_GDP: $5.4 billion, per capita $7,960; real growth rate 5.5% (1990) _#_Inflation rate (consumer prices): 4.5% (1990) _#_Unemployment rate: below 2% (1990) _#_Budget: revenues $1.2 billion; expenditures $1.4 billion, including capital expenditures of $178 million (1989 est.) _#_Exports: $770 million (f.o.b., 1990); commodities--citrus, potatoes, grapes, wine, cement, clothing and shoes; partners--UK 23%, Greece 10%, Lebanon 9%, Saudi Arabia 4% _#_Imports: $2.5 billion (f.o.b., 1990); commodities--consumer goods, petroleum and lubricants, food and feed grains, machinery; partners--France 12%, UK 11%, Japan 11%, Italy 10% _#_External debt: $2.2 billion (1990) _#_Industrial production: growth rate 6.5% (1988); accounts for 27% of GDP _#_Electricity: 620,000 kW capacity; 1,770 million kWh produced, 2,530 kWh per capita (1989) _#_Industries: food, beverages, textiles, chemicals, metal products, tourism, wood products _#_Agriculture: accounts for 7% of GDP and employs 22% of labor force; major crops--potatoes, vegetables, barley, grapes, olives, and citrus fruits; vegetables and fruit provide 25% of export revenues _#_Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $292 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-87), $230 million; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $62 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $24 million _#_Currency: Cypriot pound (plural--pounds) and in Turkish area, Turkish lira (plural--liras); 1 Cypriot pound (5C) = 100 cents and 1 Turkish lira (TL) = 100 kurus _#_Exchange rates: Cypriot pounds (5C) per US$1--0.4325 (December 1990), 0.4572 (1990), 0.4933 (1989), 0.4663 (1988), 0.4807 (1987), 0.5167 (1986), 0.6095 (1985); in Turkish area, Turkish liras (TL) per US$1--2,873.9 (December 1990), 2,608.6 (1990), 2,121.7 (1989), 1,422.3 (1988), 857.2 (1987), 674.5 (1986), 522.0 (1985) _#_Fiscal year: calendar year _*_Communications _#_Highways: 10,780 km total; 5,170 km bituminous surface treated; 5,610 km gravel, crushed stone, and earth _#_Ports: Famagusta, Kyrenia, Larnaca, Limassol, Paphos _#_Merchant marine: 1,169 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 19,310,063 GRT/34,338,028 DWT; 10 short-sea passenger, 2 passenger-cargo, 435 cargo, 76 refrigerated cargo, 20 roll-on/roll-off cargo, 48 container, 4 multifunction large load carrier, 111 petroleum, oils, and lubricants (POL) tanker, 2 specialized tanker, 8 liquefied gas, 17 chemical tanker, 30 combination ore/oil, 360 bulk, 2 vehicle carrier, 44 combination bulk; note--a flag of convenience registry; Cuba owns at least 25 of these ships, USSR owns 52, and Yugoslavia owns 1 _#_Civil air: 11 major transport aircraft _#_Airports: 13 total, 13 usable; 10 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 7 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 2 with runways 1,220-2,439 m _#_Telecommunications: excellent in the area controlled by the Cypriot Government (Greek area), moderately good in the Turkish-Cypriot administered area; 210,000 telephones; stations--14 AM, 7 (7 repeaters) FM, 2 (40 repeaters) TV; tropospheric scatter circuits to Greece and Turkey; 3 submarine coaxial cables; satellite earth stations--INTELSAT, 1 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean, and EUTELSAT systems _*_Defense Forces _#_Branches: Greek area--Greek Cypriot National Guard (GCNG; includes air and naval elements), Greek Cypriot Police; Turkish area--Turkish Cypriot Security Force _#_Manpower availability: males 15-49, 182,426; 125,839 fit for military service; 5,169 reach military age (18) annually _#_Defense expenditures: $209 million, 5% of GDP (1990 est.) _%_ _@_Czechoslovakia _*_Geography _#_Total area: 127,870 km2; land area: 125,460 km2 _#_Comparative area: slightly larger than New York State _#_Land boundaries: 3,446 km total; Austria 548 km, Germany 815 km, Hungary 676 km, Poland 1,309 km, USSR 98 km _#_Coastline: none--landlocked _#_Maritime claims: none--landlocked _#_Disputes: Nagymaros Dam dispute with Hungary _#_Climate: temperate; cool summers; cold, cloudy, humid winters _#_Terrain: mixture of hills and mountains separated by plains and basins _#_Natural resources: coal, timber, lignite, uranium, magnesite, iron ore, copper, zinc _#_Land use: arable land 40%; permanent crops 1%; meadows and pastures 13%; forest and woodland 37%; other 9%; includes irrigated 1% _#_Environment: infrequent earthquakes; acid rain; water pollution; air pollution _#_Note: landlocked; strategically located astride some of oldest and most significant land routes in Europe; Moravian Gate is a traditional military corridor between the North European Plain and the Danube in central Europe _*_People _#_Population: 15,724,940 (July 1991), growth rate 0.3% (1991) _#_Birth rate: 14 births/1,000 population (1991) _#_Death rate: 11 deaths/1,000 population (1991) _#_Net migration rate: NEGL migrants/1,000 population (1991) _#_Infant mortality rate: 11 deaths/1,000 live births (1991) _#_Life expectancy at birth: 69 years male, 77 years female (1991) _#_Total fertility rate: 1.9 children born/woman (1991) _#_Nationality: noun--Czechoslovak(s); adjective--Czechoslovak _#_Ethnic divisions: Czech 62.9%, Slovak 31.8%, Hungarian 3.8%, Polish 0.5%, German 0.3%, Ukrainian 0.3%, Russian 0.1%, other 0.3% _#_Religion: Roman Catholic 50%, Protestant 20%, Orthodox 2%, other 28% _#_Language: Czech and Slovak (official), Hungarian _#_Literacy: 99% (male NA%, female NA%) age 15 and over can read and write (1970 est.) _#_Labor force: 8,200,000 (1987); industry 36.9%, agriculture 12.3%, construction, communications, and other 50.8% (1982) _#_Organized labor: Czech and Slovak Confederation of Trade Unions (CSKOS); new independent trade unions forming _*_Government _#_Long-form name: Czech and Slovak Federal Republic; note--on 23 March 1990 the Czechoslovak Socialist Republic was renamed the Czechoslovak Federative Republic; Slovak concerns about their status in the federation prompted the Federal Assembly to approve the name Czech and Slovak Federative Republic on 20 April 1990; on 23 April 1990 the name was modified to Czech and Slovak Federal Republic _#_Type: federal republic in transition to a confederative republic _#_Capital: Prague _#_Administrative divisions: 2 republics (republiky, singular--republika); Czech Republic (Ceska Republika), Slovak Republic (Slovenska Republika) _#_Independence: 28 October 1918 (from Austro-Hungarian Empire) _#_Constitution: 11 July 1960; amended in 1968 and 1970; new Czech, Slovak, and federal constitutions to be drafted in 1991-92 _#_Legal system: civil law system based on Austro-Hungarian codes, modified by Communist legal theory; no judicial review of legislative acts; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction; legal code in process of modification to bring it in line with Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE) obligations and to expunge Marxist-Leninist legal theory _#_National holiday: National Liberation Day, 9 May (1945) and Founding of the Republic, 28 October (1918) _#_Executive branch: president, prime minister, Cabinet _#_Legislative branch: bicameral Federal Assembly (Federalni Shromazdeni) consists of an upper house or Chamber of Nations (Snemovna Narodu) and a lower house or Chamber of the People (Snemovna Lidu) _#_Judicial branch: Supreme Court _#_Leaders: Chief of State--President Vaclav HAVEL; (interim president from 29 December 1989 and president since 5 July 1990); Head of Government--Premier Marian CALFA (since 10 December 1989); Deputy Premier Vaclav VALES (since 28 June 1990); Deputy Premier Jiri DIENSTBIER (since 28 June 1990); Deputy Premier Jozef MIKLOSKO (since 28 June 1990); Deputy Premier Pavel RYCHETSKY (since 28 June 1990) _#_Political parties and leaders: Civic Forum, Vaclav KLAUS, chairman; Public Against Violence, Fedor GAL, chairman; Christian and Democratic Union, Vaclav BENDA; Christian Democratic Movement, Jan CARNOGURSKY; Communist Party of Czechoslovakia (KSC), Pavol KANIS, chairman; KSC toppled from power in November 1989 by massive antiregime demonstrations, minority role in coalition government since 10 December 1989 _#_Suffrage: universal at age 18 _#_Elections: President--last held 5 July 1990 (next to be held July 1992); results--Vaclav HAVEL elected by the Federal Assembly; Federal Assembly--last held 8-9 June 1990 (next to be held June 1992); results--Civic Forum/Public Against Violence coalition 46%, KSC 13.6%; seats--(300 total) Civic Forum/Public Against Violence coalition 170, KSC 47, Christian and Democratic Union/Christian Democratic Movement 40, Czech, Slovak, Moravian, and Hungarian groups 43 _#_Communists: 760,000 party members (September 1990); about 1,000,000 members lost since November 1989 _#_Other political or pressure groups: Czechoslovak Socialist Party, Czechoslovak People's Party, Czechoslovak Social Democracy, Slovak Nationalist Party, Slovak Revival Party, Christian Democratic Party; over 80 registered political groups fielded candidates in the 8-9 June 1990 legislative election _#_Member of: BIS, CCC, CSCE, ECE, FAO, GATT, IAEA, IBEC, ICAO, IIB, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, IOC, ISO, ITU, LORCS, PCA, UN, UNAVEM, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO _#_Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Rita KLIMOVA; Chancery at 3900 Linnean Avenue NW, Washington DC 20008; telephone (202) 363-6315 or 6316; US--Ambassador Shirley Temple BLACK; Embassy at Trziste 15, 125 48, Prague 1 (mailing address is AMEM, Box 5630, APO New York 09213-5630); telephone [42] (2) 536641 through 536649 _#_Flag: two equal horizontal bands of white (top) and red with a blue isosceles triangle based on the hoist side _*_Economy _#_Overview: Czechoslovakia is highly industrialized and has a well-educated and skilled labor force. Its industry, transport, energy sources, banking, and most other means of production are state owned. The country is deficient, however, in energy and in many raw materials. Moreover, its aging capital plant lags well behind West European standards. Industry contributes almost 50% to GNP and construction contributes 10%. About 95% of agricultural land is in collectives or state farms. The centrally planned economy has been tightly linked in trade (80%) to the USSR and Eastern Europe. Growth has been sluggish, averaging less than 2% in the period 1982-89. GNP per capita is the highest in Eastern Europe. As in the rest of Eastern Europe, the sweeping political changes of 1989-90 have been disrupting normal channels of supply and compounding the government's economic problems. Having eased restrictions on private enterprise in 1990 and having adjusted some key prices, Czechoslovakia is now implementing a broad two-year program to make the difficult transition from a command to a market economy. Inflation and unemployment are beginning to rise, albeit from comparatively low levels. _#_GNP: $120.3 billion, per capita $7,700; real growth rate - 2.9% (1990 est.) _#_Inflation rate (consumer prices): 9% (1990 est.) _#_Unemployment rate: officially 0.8% (1990) _#_Budget: revenues $17.1 billion; expenditures $16.8 billion, including capital expenditures of $1.5 billion (1991) _#_Exports: $14.4 billion (f.o.b., 1989); commodities--machinery and equipment 42.7%; fuels, minerals, and metals 16.4%; agricultural and forestry products 12.5%, other 28.4%; partners--USSR, GDR, Poland, Hungary, FRG, Yugoslavia, Austria, Bulgaria, Romania, US _#_Imports: $14.3 billion (f.o.b., 1989); commodities--machinery and equipment 38.6%; fuels, minerals, and metals 24.1%; agricultural and forestry products 16.4%; other 20.9%; partners--USSR, GDR, Poland, Hungary, FRG, Yugoslavia, Austria, Bulgaria, Romania, US _#_External debt: $7.6 billion, hard currency indebtedness (September 1990) _#_Industrial production: growth rate - 3.3% (1990 est.); accounts for almost 50% of GDP _#_Electricity: 23,000,000 kW capacity; 90,000 million kWh produced, 5,740 kWh per capita (1990) _#_Industries: iron and steel, machinery and equipment, cement, sheet glass, motor vehicles, armaments, chemicals, ceramics, wood, paper products, footwear _#_Agriculture: accounts for 7% of GNP (includes forestry); largely self-sufficient in food production; diversified crop and livestock production, including grains, potatoes, sugar beets, hops, fruit, hogs, cattle, and poultry; exporter of forest products _#_Economic aid: donor--$4.2 billion in bilateral aid to non-Communist less developed countries (1954-89) _#_Currency: koruna (plural--koruny); 1 koruna (Kc) = 100 haleru _#_Exchange rates: koruny (Kcs) per US$1--27.65 (January 1991), 17.95 (1990), 15.05 (1989), 14.36 (1988), 13.69 (1987), 14.99 (1986), 17.14 (1985) _#_Fiscal year: calendar year _*_Communications _#_Railroads: 13,103 km total; 12,855 km 1.435-meter standard gauge, 102 km 1.520-meter broad gauge, 146 km 0.750- and 0.760-meter narrow gauge; 2,861 km double track; 3,798 km electrified; government owned (1988) _#_Highways: 73,540 km total; including 517 km superhighway (1988) _#_Inland waterways: 475 km (1988); the Elbe (Labe) is the principal river _#_Pipelines: crude oil, 1,448 km; refined products, 1,500 km; natural gas, 8,100 km _#_Ports: maritime outlets are in Poland (Gdynia, Gdansk, Szczecin), Yugoslavia (Rijeka, Koper), Germany (Hamburg, Rostock); principal river ports are Prague on the Vltava, Decin on the Elbe (Labe), Komarno on the Danube, Bratislava on the Danube _#_Merchant marine: 24 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 363,002 GRT/ 565,813 DWT; includes 15 cargo, 6 bulk _#_Civil air: 47 major transport aircraft _#_Airports: 158 total, 158 usable; 40 with permanent-surface runways; 19 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 37 with runways 1,220-2,439 m _#_Telecommunications: 4 million telephones; 25% of households have a telephone; stations--60 AM, 16 FM, 39 TV (11 Soviet TV relays); 4.4 million TVs (1990) _*_Defense Forces _#_Branches: Czechoslovak People's Army, Air and Air Defense Forces, Civil Defense, Border Guard _#_Manpower availability: males 15-49, 4,066,419; 3,110,958 fit for military service; 140,620 reach military age (18) annually _#_Defense expenditures: 26.9 billion koruny, NA% of GDP (1991); note--conversion of defense expenditures into US dollars using the official administratively set exchange rate would produce misleading results _%_ _@_Denmark _*_Geography _#_Total area: 43,070 km2; land area: 42,370 km2; includes the island of Bornholm in the Baltic Sea and the rest of metropolitan Denmark, but excludes the Faroe Islands and Greenland _#_Comparative area: slightly more than twice the size of Massachusetts _#_Land boundaries: 68 km with Germany _#_Coastline: 3,379 km _#_Maritime claims: Contiguous zone: 4 nm; Continental shelf: 200 m (depth) or to depth of exploitation; Exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm; Territorial sea: 3 nm _#_Disputes: Rockall continental shelf dispute involving Iceland, Ireland, and the UK (Ireland and the UK have signed a boundary agreement in the Rockall area); Denmark has challenged Norway's maritime claims between Greenland and Jan Mayen _#_Climate: temperate; humid and overcast; mild, windy winters and cool summers _#_Terrain: low and flat to gently rolling plains _#_Natural resources: crude oil, natural gas, fish, salt, limestone _#_Land use: arable land 61%; permanent crops NEGL%; meadows and pastures 6%; forest and woodland 12%; other 21%; includes irrigated 9% _#_Environment: air and water pollution _#_Note: controls Danish Straits linking Baltic and North Seas _*_People _#_Population: 5,132,626 (July 1991), growth rate NEGL% (1991) _#_Birth rate: 12 births/1,000 population (1991) _#_Death rate: 11 deaths/1,000 population (1991) _#_Net migration rate: NEGL migrants/1,000 population (1991) _#_Infant mortality rate: 6 deaths/1,000 live births (1991) _#_Life expectancy at birth: 73 years male, 79 years female (1991) _#_Total fertility rate: 1.6 children born/woman (1991) _#_Nationality: noun--Dane(s); adjective--Danish _#_Ethnic divisions: Scandinavian, Eskimo, Faroese, German _#_Religion: Evangelical Lutheran 91%, other Protestant and Roman Catholic 2%, other 7% (1988) _#_Language: Danish, Faroese, Greenlandic (an Eskimo dialect); small German-speaking minority _#_Literacy: 99% (male NA%, female NA%) age 15 and over can read and write (1980 est.) _#_Labor force: 2,581,400; private services 36.4%; government services 30.2%; manufacturing and mining 20%; construction 6.8%; agriculture, forestry, and fishing 5.9%; electricity/gas/water 0.7% (1990) _#_Organized labor: 65% of labor force _*_Government _#_Long-form name: Kingdom of Denmark _#_Type: constitutional monarchy _#_Capital: Copenhagen _#_Administrative divisions: metropolitan Denmark--14 counties (amter, singular--amt) and 1 city* (stad); Arhus, Bornholm, Frederiksborg, Fyn, Kobenhavn, Nordjylland, Ribe, Ringkobing, Roskilde, Sonderjylland, Staden Kobenhavn*, Storstrom, Vejle, Vestsjaelland, Viborg; note--see separate entries for the Faroe Islands and Greenland which are part of the Danish realm and self-governing administrative divisions _#_Independence: became a constitutional monarchy in 1849 _#_Constitution: 5 June 1953 _#_Legal system: civil law system; judicial review of legislative acts; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations _#_National holiday: Birthday of the Queen, 16 April (1940) _#_Executive branch: monarch, heir apparent, prime minister, Cabinet _#_Legislative branch: unicameral Parliament (Folketing) _#_Judicial branch: Supreme Court _#_Leaders: Chief of State--Queen MARGRETHE II (since January 1972); Heir Apparent Crown Prince FREDERIK, elder son of the Queen (born 26 May 1968); Head of Government--Prime Minister Poul SCHLUTER (since 10 September 1982) _#_Political parties and leaders: Social Democratic, Svend AUKEN; Conservative, Poul SCHLUTER; Liberal, Uffe ELLEMANN-JENSEN; Socialist People's, Holger K. NIELSEN; Progress Party, Pia KJAERSGAARD; Center Democratic, Mimi Stilling JAKOBSEN; Radical Liberal, Marianne JELVED; Christian People's, Flemming KOTOED-SVENDSEN; Left Socialist, Elizabeth BRUN-OLESEN; Justice, Poul Gerhard KRISTIANSEN; Socialist Workers Party, leader NA; Communist Workers' Party (KAP), leader NA; Common Course, Preben Moller HANSEN; Green Party, Inger BORLEHMANN _#_Suffrage: universal at age 21 _#_Elections: Parliament--last held 12 December 1990 (next to be held by December 1994); results--Social Democratic 37.4%, Conservative 16.0%, Liberal 15.8%, Socialist People's 8.3%, Progress Party 6.4%, Center Democratic 5.1%, Radical Liberal 3.5%, Christian People's 2.3%, other 5.2%; seats--(175 total; includes 2 from Greenland and 2 from the Faroe Islands) Social Democratic 69, Conservative 30, Liberal 29, Socialist People's 15, Progress Party 12, Center Democratic 9, Radical Liberal 7, Christian People's 4 _#_Member of: AfDB, AG (observer), AsDB, BIS, CCC, CE, CERN, COCOM, CSCE, EBRD, EC, ECE, EIB, ESA, FAO, G-9, GATT, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, LORCS, NATO, NC, NEA, NIB, OECD, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIIMOG, UNMOGIP, UNTSO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO _#_Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Peter Pedersen DYVIG; Chancery at 3200 Whitehaven Street NW, Washington DC 20008; telephone (202) 234-4300; there are Danish Consulates General at Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, and New York; US--Ambassador Keith L. BROWN; Embassy at Dag Hammarskjolds Alle 24, 2100 Copenhagen O (mailing address is APO New York 09170); telephone [45] (31) 42 31 44 _#_Flag: red with a white cross that extends to the edges of the flag; the vertical part of the cross is shifted to the hoist side and that design element of the Dannebrog (Danish flag) was subsequently adopted by the other Nordic countries of Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden _*_Economy _#_Overview: This modern economy features high-tech agriculture, up-to-date small-scale and corporate industry, extensive government welfare measures, comfortable living standards, and high dependence on foreign trade. The Danish economy is likely to maintain its slow but steady improvement in 1991. GDP grew by 1.3% in 1990 and probably will grow by about 1.25% in 1991; unemployment is running close to 10%. In 1990 Denmark had the lowest inflation rate in the EC, a record trade surplus, and the first balance-of-payments surplus in 26 years. As the government prepares for the economic integration of Europe during 1992, growth, investment, and competitiveness are expected to improve, reducing unemployment, inflation, and debt. _#_GDP: $78.0 billion, per capita $15,200; real growth rate 1.3% (1990) _#_Inflation rate (consumer prices): 2.7% (1990) _#_Unemployment rate: 9.5% (1990) _#_Budget: revenues $62.5 billion; expenditures $60 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA billion (1989) _#_Exports: $34.8 billion (f.o.b., 1990); commodities--meat and meat products, dairy products, transport equipment, fish, chemicals, industrial machinery; partners--EC 52.2% (Germany 19.5%, UK 10.9%, France 6.1%), Sweden 12.5%, Norway 5.8%, US 5.0%, Japan 4.3% (1990) _#_Imports: $31.6 billion (c.i.f., 1990); commodities--petroleum, machinery and equipment, chemicals, grain and foodstuffs, textiles, paper; partners--EC 57% (Germany 25.6%, UK 8.4%), Sweden 12.7%, US 6.7% (1990) _#_External debt: $45 billion (1990) _#_Industrial production: growth rate 2.1% (1989) _#_Electricity: 11,215,000 kW capacity; 30,910 million kWh produced, 6,030 kWh per capita (1989) _#_Industries: food processing, machinery and equipment, textiles and clothing, chemical products, electronics, construction, furniture, and other wood products _#_Agriculture: accounts for 5% of GNP and employs 6% of labor force (includes fishing and forestry); farm products account for nearly 15% of export revenues; principal products--meat, dairy, grain, potatoes, rape, sugar beets, fish; self-sufficient in food production _#_Economic aid: donor--ODA and OOF commitments (1970-89) $5.9 billion _#_Currency: Danish krone (plural--kroner); 1 Danish krone (DKr) = 100 ore _#_Exchange rates: Danish kroner (DKr) per US$1--5.817 (January (1991), 6.189 (1990), 7.310 (1989), 6.732 (1988), 6.840 (1987), 8.091 (1986), 10.596 (1985) _#_Fiscal year: calendar year _*_Communications _#_Railroads: 2,675 km 1.435-meter standard gauge; Danish State Railways (DSB) operate 2,025 km (1,999 km rail line and 121 km rail ferry services); 188 km electrified, 730 km double tracked; 650 km of standard-gauge lines are privately owned and operated _#_Highways: 66,482 km total; 64,551 km concrete, bitumen, or stone block; 1,931 km gravel, crushed stone, improved earth _#_Inland waterways: 417 km _#_Pipelines: crude oil, 110 km; refined products, 578 km; natural gas, 700 km _#_Ports: Alborg, Arhus, Copenhagen, Esbjerg, Fredericia; numerous secondary and minor ports _#_Merchant marine: 281 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 4,888,064 GRT/7,131,949 DWT; includes 13 short-sea passenger, 85 cargo, 15 refrigerated cargo, 35 container, 40 roll-on/roll-off cargo, 1 railcar carrier, 37 petroleum, oils, and lubricants (POL) tanker, 14 chemical tanker, 22 liquefied gas, 4 livestock carrier, 14 bulk, 1 combination bulk; note--Denmark has created its own internal register, called the Danish International Ship Register (DIS); DIS ships do not have to meet Danish manning regulations, and they amount to a flag of convenience within the Danish register; by the end of 1990, 258 of the Danish-flag ships belonged to the DIS _#_Civil air: 69 major transport aircraft _#_Airports: 129 total, 112 usable; 27 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 9 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 7 with runways 1,220-2,439 m _#_Telecommunications: excellent telephone, telegraph, and broadcast services; 4,509,000 telephones; stations--2 AM, 15 (39 repeaters) FM, 27 (25 repeaters) TV; 7 submarine coaxial cables; 1 earth station operating in INTELSAT, 4 Atlantic Ocean, EUTELSAT, and domestic systems _*_Defense Forces _#_Branches: Royal Danish Army, Royal Danish Navy, Royal Danish Air Force _#_Manpower availability: males 15-49, 1,369,684; 1,179,991 fit for military service; 36,991 reach military age (20) annually _#_Defense expenditures: $2.4 billion, 2% of GDP (1990) _%_ _@_Djibouti _*_Geography _#_Total area: 22,000 km2; land area: 21,980 km2 _#_Comparative area: slightly larger than Massachusetts _#_Land boundaries: 517 km total; Ethiopia 459 km, Somalia 58 km _#_Coastline: 314 km _#_Maritime claims: Contiguous zone: 24 nm; Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm; Territorial sea: 12 nm _#_Disputes: possible claim by Somalia based on unification of ethnic Somalis _#_Climate: desert; torrid, dry _#_Terrain: coastal plain and plateau separated by central mountains _#_Natural resources: geothermal areas _#_Land use: arable land 0%; permanent crops 0%; meadows and pastures 9%; forest and woodland NEGL%; other 91% _#_Environment: vast wasteland _#_Note: strategic location near world's busiest shipping lanes and close to Arabian oilfields; terminus of rail traffic into Ethiopia _*_People _#_Population: 346,311 (July 1991), growth rate 2.6% (1991) _#_Birth rate: 43 births/1,000 population (1991) _#_Death rate: 16 deaths/1,000 population (1991) _#_Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1991) _#_Infant mortality rate: 117 deaths/1,000 live births (1991) _#_Life expectancy at birth: 46 years male, 50 years female (1991) _#_Total fertility rate: 6.4 children born/woman (1991) _#_Nationality: noun--Djiboutian(s); adjective--Djiboutian _#_Ethnic divisions: Somali (Issa) 60%, Afar 35%, French, Arab, Ethiopian, and Italian 5% _#_Religion: Muslim 94%, Christian 6% _#_Language: French and Arabic (both official); Somali and Afar widely used _#_Literacy: 48% (male 63%, female 34%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) _#_Labor force: NA, but a small number of semiskilled laborers at the port and 3,000 railway workers; 52% of population of working age (1983) _#_Organized labor: 3,000 railway workers _*_Government _#_Long-form name: Republic of Djibouti _#_Type: republic _#_Capital: Djibouti _#_Administrative divisions: 5 districts (cercles, singular--cercle); Ali Sabih, Dikhil, Djibouti, Obock, Tadjoura _#_Independence: 27 June 1977 (from France; formerly French Territory of the Afars and Issas) _#_Constitution: partial constitution ratified January 1981 by the National Assembly _#_Legal system: based on French civil law system, traditional practices, and Islamic law _#_National holiday: Independence Day, 27 June (1977) _#_Executive branch: president, prime minister, Council of Ministers _#_Legislative branch: National Assembly (Assemblee Nationale) _#_Judicial branch: Supreme Court (Cour Supreme) _#_Leaders: Chief of State--President Hassan GOULED Aptidon (since 24 June 1977); Head of Government--Prime Minister BARKAT Gourad Hamadou (since 30 September 1978) _#_Political parties and leaders: only party--People's Progress Assembly (RPP), Hassan GOULED Aptidon _#_Suffrage: universal adult at age NA _#_Elections: President--last held 24 April 1987 (next to be held April 1993); results--President Hassan GOULED Aptidon was reelected without opposition; National Assembly--last held 24 April 1987 (next to be held April 1992); results--RPP is the only party; seats--(65 total) RPP 65 _#_Communists: NA _#_Member of: ACCT, ACP, AfDB, AFESD, AL, ECA, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IGADD, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU, OIC, UN, UNESCO, UNCTAD, UPU, WHO, WMO _#_Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Roble OLHAYE; Chancery (temporary) at the Djiboutian Permanent Mission to the UN; 866 United Nations Plaza, Suite 4011, New York, NY 10017; telephone (212) 753-3163; US--Ambassador Robert S. BARRETT IV; Embassy at Villa Plateau du Serpent, Boulevard Marechal Joffre, Djibouti (mailing address is B. P. 185, Djibouti); telephone [253] 35-39-95 _#_Flag: two equal horizontal bands of light blue (top) and light green with a white isosceles triangle based on the hoist side bearing a red five-pointed star in the center _*_Economy _#_Overview: The economy is based on service activities connected with the country's strategic location and status as a free trade zone in northeast Africa. Djibouti provides services as both a transit port for the region and an international transshipment and refueling center. It has few natural resources and little industry. The nation is, therefore, heavily dependent on foreign assistance to help support its balance of payments and to finance development projects. An unemployment rate of over 40% continues to be a major problem. Per capita consumption dropped an estimated 35% over the last five years with a population growth rate of 6% (including immigrants and refugees) and a recession. _#_GDP: $340 million, $1,030 per capita; real growth rate - 1.0% (1989 est.) _#_Inflation rate (consumer prices): 3.7% (1989) _#_Unemployment rate: over 40% (1989) _#_Budget: revenues $131 million; expenditures $154 million, including capital expenditures of $25 million (1990 est.) _#_Exports: $190 million (f.o.b., 1990 est.); commodities--hides and skins, coffee (in transit); partners--Middle East 50%, Africa 43%, Western Europe 7% _#_Imports: $311 million (f.o.b., 1990 est.); commodities--foods, beverages, transport equipment, chemicals, petroleum products; partners--EC 36%, Africa 21%, Asia 12%, US 2% _#_External debt: $355 million (December 1990) _#_Industrial production: growth rate 0.1% (1989); manufacturing accounts for 4% of GDP _#_Electricity: 110,000 kW capacity; 190 million kWh produced, 580 kWh per capita (1989) _#_Industries: limited to a few small-scale enterprises, such as dairy products and mineral-water bottling _#_Agriculture: accounts for only 5% of GDP; scanty rainfall limits crop production to mostly fruit and vegetables; half of population pastoral nomads herding goats, sheep, and camels; imports bulk of food needs _#_Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY78-89), $39 million; Western (non-US) countries, including ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-88), $1,035 million; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $149 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $35 million _#_Currency: Djiboutian franc (plural--francs); 1 Djiboutian franc (DF) = 100 centimes _#_Exchange rates: Djiboutian francs (DF) per US$1--177.721 (fixed rate since 1973) _#_Fiscal year: calendar year _*_Communications _#_Railroads: the Ethiopian-Djibouti railroad extends for 97 km through Djibouti _#_Highways: 2,900 km total; 280 km bituminous surface, 2,620 km improved or unimproved earth (1982) _#_Ports: Djibouti _#_Civil air: 2 major transport aircraft _#_Airports: 13 total, 10 usable; 2 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 2 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 4 with runways 1,220-2,439 m _#_Telecommunications: fair system of urban facilities in Djibouti and radio relay stations at outlying places; 7,300 telephones; stations--2 AM, 1 FM, 2 TV; 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT earth station and 1 ARABSAT; 1 submarine cable to Saudi Arabia _*_Defense Forces _#_Branches: Army (including Navy and Air Force), paramilitary National Security Force, National Police Force _#_Manpower availability: males 15-49, 89,519; 52,093 fit for military service _#_Defense expenditures: $29.9 million, NA% of GDP (1986) _%_ _@_Dominica _*_Geography _#_Total area: 750 km2; land area: 750 km2 _#_Comparative area: slightly more than four times the size of Washington, DC _#_Land boundaries: none _#_Coastline: 148 km _#_Maritime claims: Contiguous zone: 24 nm; Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm; Territorial sea: 12 nm _#_Climate: tropical; moderated by northeast trade winds; heavy rainfall _#_Terrain: rugged mountains of volcanic origin _#_Natural resources: timber _#_Land use: arable land 9%; permanent crops 13%; meadows and pastures 3%; forest and woodland 41%; other 34% _#_Environment: flash floods a constant hazard; occasional hurricanes _#_Note: located 550 km southeast of Puerto Rico in the Caribbean Sea _*_People _#_Population: 86,285 (July 1991), growth rate 1.7% (1991) _#_Birth rate: 26 births/1,000 population (1991) _#_Death rate: 5 deaths/1,000 population (1991) _#_Net migration rate: - 3 migrants/1,000 population (1991) _#_Infant mortality rate: 13 deaths/1,000 live births (1991) _#_Life expectancy at birth: 73 years male, 79 years female (1991) _#_Total fertility rate: 2.6 children born/woman (1991) _#_Nationality: noun--Dominican(s); adjective--Dominican _#_Ethnic divisions: mostly black; some Carib indians _#_Religion: Roman Catholic 77%, Protestant 15% (Methodist 5%, Pentecostal 3%, Seventh-Day Adventist 3%, Baptist 2%, other 2%), none 2%, unknown 1%, other 5% _#_Language: English (official); French patois widely spoken _#_Literacy: 94% (male 94%, female 94%) age 15 and over having ever attended school (1970) _#_Labor force: 25,000; agriculture 40%, industry and commerce 32%, services 28% (1984) _#_Organized labor: 25% of labor force _*_Government _#_Long-form name: Commonwealth of Dominica _#_Type: parliamentary democracy _#_Capital: Roseau _#_Administrative divisions: 10 parishes; Saint Andrew, Saint David, Saint George, Saint John, Saint Joseph, Saint Luke, Saint Mark, Saint Patrick, Saint Paul, Saint Peter _#_Independence: 3 November 1978 (from UK) _#_Constitution: 3 November 1978 _#_Legal system: based on English common law _#_National holiday: Independence Day, 3 November (1978) _#_Executive branch: president, prime minister, Cabinet _#_Legislative branch: unicameral House of Assembly _#_Judicial branch: Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court _#_Leaders: Chief of State--President Sir Clarence Augustus SEIGNORET (since 19 December 1983); Head of Government--Prime Minister (Mary) Eugenia CHARLES (since 21 July 1980, elected for a third term 28 May 1990) _#_Political parties and leaders: Dominica Freedom Party (DFP), (Mary) Eugenia CHARLES; Dominica Labor Party (DLP), Michael DOUGLAS; United Workers Party (UWP), Edison JAMES _#_Suffrage: universal at age 18 _#_Elections: President--last held 20 December 1988 (next to be held December 1993); the president is elected by the House of Assembly; House of Assembly--last held 28 May 1990 (next to be held May 1995); results--percent of vote by party NA; seats--(30 total; 9 appointed senators and 21 elected representatives) DFP 11, UWP 6, DLP 4 _#_Communists: negligible _#_Other political or pressure groups: Dominica Liberation Movement (DLM), a small leftist group _#_Member of: ACCT, ACP, C, CARICOM, CDB, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTERPOL, LORCS, NAM (observer), OAS, OECS, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WHO, WMO _#_Diplomatic representation: there is no Chancery in the US; US--no official presence since the Ambassador resides in Bridgetown (Barbados), but travels frequently to Dominica _#_Flag: green with a centered cross of three equal bands--the vertical part is yellow (hoist side), black, and white--the horizontal part is yellow (top), black, and white; superimposed in the center of the cross is a red disk bearing a sisserou parrot encircled by 10 green five-pointed stars edged in yellow; the 10 stars represent the 10 administrative divisions (parishes) _*_Economy _#_Overview: The economy is dependent on agriculture and thus is highly vulnerable to climatic conditions. Agriculture accounts for about 30% of GDP and employs 40% of the labor force. Principal products include bananas, citrus, mangoes, root crops, and coconuts. In 1988 the economy achieved a 5.6% growth in real GDP on the strength of a boost in construction, higher agricultural production, and growth of the small manufacturing sector based on the soap and garment industries. In 1989, however, Hurricane Hugo wiped out 70% of the banana crop and affected other economic activity. The tourist industry remains undeveloped because of a rugged coastline and the lack of an international-class airport. _#_GDP: $153 million, per capita $1,840; real growth rate - 1.7% (1989 est.) _#_Inflation rate (consumer prices): 6.3% (1989) _#_Unemployment rate: 10% (1989 est.) _#_Budget: revenues $48 million; expenditures $85 million, including capital expenditures of $41 million (FY90) _#_Exports: $59 million (f.o.b., 1990); commodities--bananas, coconuts, grapefruit, soap, galvanized sheets; partners--UK 72%, Jamaica 10%, OECS 6%, US 3%, other 9% _#_Imports: $115 million (c.i.f., 1990); commodities--food, oils and fats, chemicals, fuels and lubricants, manufactured goods, machinery and equipment; partners--US 23%, UK 18%, CARICOM 15%, OECS 15%, Japan 5%, Canada 3%, other 21% _#_External debt: $73 million (1990 est.) _#_Industrial production: growth rate 4.5% in manufacturing (1988 est.); accounts for 11% of GDP _#_Electricity: 7,000 kW capacity; 16 million kWh produced, 190 kWh per capita (1990) _#_Industries: soap, beverages, tourism, food processing, furniture, cement blocks, shoes _#_Agriculture: accounts for 30% of GDP; principal crops--bananas, citrus, mangoes, root crops, and coconuts; bananas provide the bulk of export earnings; forestry and fisheries potential not exploited _#_Economic aid: Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-88), $115 million _#_Currency: East Caribbean dollar (plural--dollars); 1 EC dollar (EC$) = 100 cents _#_Exchange rates: East Caribbean dollars (EC$) per US$1--2.70 (fixed rate since 1976) _#_Fiscal year: 1 July-30 June _*_Communications _#_Highways: 750 km total; 370 km paved, 380 km gravel and earth _#_Ports: Roseau, Portsmouth _#_Civil air: NA _#_Airports: 2 total, 2 usable; 2 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 2,439 m; 1 with runways 1,220-2,439 m _#_Telecommunications: 4,600 telephones in fully automatic network; VHF and UHF link to Saint Lucia; new SHF links to Martinique and Guadeloupe; stations--3 AM, 2 FM, 1 cable TV _*_Defense Forces _#_Branches: Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force _#_Manpower availability: NA _#_Defense expenditures: $NA, NA% of GDP _%_ _@_Dominican Republic _*_Geography _#_Total area: 48,730 km2; land area: 48,380 km2 _#_Comparative area: slightly more than twice the size of New Hampshire _#_Land boundary 275 km with Haiti _#_Coastline: 1,288 km _#_Maritime claims: Contiguous zone: 24 nm; Continental shelf: outer edge of continental margin or 200 nm; Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm; Territorial sea: 6 nm _#_Climate: tropical maritime; little seasonal temperature variation _#_Terrain: rugged highlands and mountains with fertile valleys interspersed _#_Natural resources: nickel, bauxite, gold, silver _#_Land use: arable land 23%; permanent crops 7%; meadows and pastures 43%; forest and woodland 13%; other 14%; includes irrigated 4% _#_Environment: subject to occasional hurricanes (July to October); deforestation _#_Note: shares island of Hispaniola with Haiti (western one-third is Haiti, eastern two-thirds is the Dominican Republic) _*_People _#_Population: 7,384,837 (July 1991), growth rate 2.0% (1991) _#_Birth rate: 27 births/1,000 population (1991) _#_Death rate: 7 deaths/1,000 population (1991) _#_Net migration rate: - 1 migrant/1,000 population (1991) _#_Infant mortality rate: 60 deaths/1,000 live births (1991) _#_Life expectancy at birth: 65 years male, 69 years female (1991) _#_Total fertility rate: 3.1 children born/woman (1991) _#_Nationality: noun--Dominican(s); adjective--Dominican _#_Ethnic divisions: mixed 73%, white 16%, black 11% _#_Religion: Roman Catholic 95% _#_Language: Spanish _#_Literacy: 83% (male 85%, female 82%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) _#_Labor force: 2,300,000-2,600,000; agriculture 49%, services 33%, industry 18% (1986) _#_Organized labor: 12% of labor force (1989 est.) _*_Government _#_Long-form name: Dominican Republic (no short-form name) _#_Type: republic _#_Capital: Santo Domingo _#_Administrative divisions: 29 provinces (provincias, singular--provincia) and 1 district* (distrito); Azua, Baoruco, Barahona, Dajabon, Distrito Nacional*, Duarte, Elias Pina, El Seibo, Espaillat, Hato Mayor, Independencia, La Altagracia, La Romana, La Vega, Maria Trinidad Sanchez, Monsenor Nouel, Monte Cristi, Monte Plata, Pedernales, Peravia, Puerto Plata, Salcedo, Samana, Sanchez Ramirez, San Cristobal, San Juan, San Pedro De Macoris, Santiago, Santiago Rodriguez, Valverde _#_Independence: 27 February 1844 (from Haiti) _#_Constitution: 28 November 1966 _#_Legal system: based on French civil codes _#_National holiday: Independence Day, 27 February (1844) _#_Executive branch: president, vice president, Cabinet _#_Legislative branch: bicameral National Congress (Congreso Nacional) consists of an upper chamber or Senate (Senado) and lower chamber or Chamber of Deputies (Camara de Diputados) _#_Judicial branch: Supreme Court (Corte Suprema) _#_Leaders: Chief of State and Head of Government--President Joaquin BALAGUER Ricardo (since 16 August 1986, fifth elected term began 16 August 1990); Vice President Carlos A. MORALES Troncoso (since 16 August 1986) _#_Political parties and leaders: Major parties-- Social Christian Reformist Party (PRSC), Joaquin BALAGUER Ricardo; Dominican Revolutionary Party (PRD), Jose Francisco PENA Gomez; Dominican Liberation Party (PLD), Juan BOSCH Gavino; Independent Revolutionary Party (PRI), Jacobo MAJLUTA; Minor parties-- National Veterans and Civilian Party (PNVC), Juan Rene BEAUCHAMPS Javier; Liberal Party of the Dominican Republic (PLRD), Andres Van Der HORST; Democratic Quisqueyan Party (PQD), Elias WESSIN Chavez; Constitutional Action Party (PAC), Luis ARZENO Rodriguez; National Progressive Force (FNP), Marino VINICIO Castillo; Popular Christian Party (PPC), Rogelio DELGADO Bogaert; Dominican Communist Party (PCD), Narciso ISA Conde; Anti-Imperialist Patriotic Union (UPA), Ivan RODRIGUEZ; note--in 1983 several leftist parties, including the PCD, joined to form the Dominican Leftist Front (FID); however, they still retain individual party structures _#_Suffrage: universal and compulsory at age 18 or if married; members of the armed forces and police cannot vote _#_Elections: President--last held 16 May 1990 (next to be held May 1994); results--Joaquin BALAGUER (PRSC) 35.7%, Juan BOSCH Gavino (PLD) 34.4%; Senate--last held 16 May 1990 (next to be held May 1994); results--percent of vote by party NA; seats--(30 total) PRSC 16, PLD 12, PRD 2; Chamber of Deputies--last held 16 May 1990 (next to be held May 1994); results--percent of vote by party NA; seats--(120 total) PLD 44, PRSC 41, PRD 33, PRI 2 _#_Communists: an estimated 8,000 to 10,000 members in several legal and illegal factions; effectiveness limited by ideological differences, organizational inadequacies, and severe funding shortages _#_Member of: CARICOM (observer), ECLAC, FAO, G-11, G-77, GATT, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ITU, LAES, LAIA (observer), LORCS, NAM (guest), OAS, OPANAL, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WMO, WTO _#_Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Carlos A. MORALES Troncoso (serves concurrently as Vice President); Chancery at 1715 22nd Street NW, Washington DC 20008; telephone (202) 332-6280; there are Dominican Consulates General in Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Mayaguez (Puerto Rico), Miami, New Orleans, New York, Philadelphia, San Juan (Puerto Rico), and Consulates in Charlotte Amalie (Virgin Islands), Detroit, Houston, Jacksonville, Minneapolis, Mobile, Ponce (Puerto Rico), and San Francisco; US--Ambassador Paul D. TAYLOR; Embassy at the corner of Calle Cesar Nicolas Penson and Calle Leopoldo Navarro, Santo Domingo (mailing address is APO Miami 34041-0008); telephone [809] 541-2171 _#_Flag: a centered white cross that extends to the edges, divides the flag into four rectangles--the top ones are blue (hoist side) and red, the bottom ones are red (hoist side) and blue; a small coat of arms is at the center of the cross _*_Economy _#_Overview: The economy is largely dependent on trade; imported components average 60% of the value of goods consumed in the domestic market. Rapid growth of free trade zones has established a significant expansion of manufacturing for export, especially wearing apparel. Over the past decade tourism has also increased in importance and is a major earner of foreign exchange and a source of new jobs. Agriculture remains a key sector of the economy. The principal commercial crop is sugarcane, followed by coffee, cotton, cocoa, and tobacco. Domestic industry is based on the processing of agricultural products, durable consumer goods, minerals, and chemicals. Unemployment is officially reported at about 30%, but there is considerable underemployment. An increasing foreign debt burden and galloping inflation are the economy's greatest weaknesses. _#_GDP: $6.68 billion, per capita $940; real growth rate 4.2% (1989) _#_Inflation rate (consumer prices): 70% (1990 est.) _#_Unemployment rate: 29% (1990 est.) _#_Budget: revenues $413 million; expenditures $522 million, including capital expenditures of $218 million (1988) _#_Exports: $922 million (f.o.b., 1990 est.); commodities--sugar, coffee, cocoa, gold, ferronickel; partners--US 60%, EC 19%, Puerto Rico 8% (1990) _#_Imports: $1.9 billion (c.i.f., 1990 est.); commodities--foodstuffs, petroleum, cotton and fabrics, chemicals and pharmaceuticals; partners--US 50% _#_External debt: $4.2 billion (1990 est.) _#_Industrial production: growth rate 2.3% (1989 est.); accounts for 18% of GDP _#_Electricity: 1,445,000 kW capacity; 4,200 million kWh produced, 580 kWh per capita (1990) _#_Industries: tourism, sugar processing, ferronickel and gold mining, textiles, cement, tobacco _#_Agriculture: accounts for 15% of GDP and employs 49% of labor force; sugarcane most important commercial crop, followed by coffee, cotton, cocoa, and tobacco; food crops--rice, beans, potatoes, corn, bananas; animal output--cattle, hogs, dairy products, meat, eggs; not self-sufficient in food _#_Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY85-89), $576.5 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-88), $569 million _#_Currency: Dominican peso (plural--pesos); 1 Dominican peso (RD$) = 100 centavos _#_Exchange rates: Dominican pesos per US$1--11.850 (January 1991), 8.290 (1990), 6.3400 (1989), 6.1125 (1988), 3.8448 (1987), 2.9043 (1986), 3.1126 (1985) _#_Fiscal year: calendar year _*_Communications _#_Railroads: 1,655 km total in numerous segments; 4 different gauges from 0.558 m to 1.435 m _#_Highways: 12,000 km total; 5,800 km paved, 5,600 km gravel and improved earth, 600 km unimproved _#_Pipelines: crude oil, 96 km; refined products, 8 km _#_Ports: Santo Domingo, Haina, San Pedro de Macoris, Puerto Plata _#_Merchant marine: 4 cargo ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 23,326 GRT/38,661 DWT _#_Civil air: 14 major transport aircraft _#_Airports: 44 total, 30 usable; 14 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 3 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 9 with runways 1,220-2,439 m _#_Telecommunications: relatively efficient domestic system based on islandwide radio relay network; 190,000 telephones; stations--120 AM, no FM, 18 TV, 6 shortwave; 1 coaxial submarine cable; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station _*_Defense Forces _#_Branches: Army, Navy, Air Force, National Police _#_Manpower availability: males 15-49, 1,963,260; 1,241,370 fit for military service; 81,083 reach military age (18) annually _#_Defense expenditures: $70 million, 1% of GDP (1990) _%_ _@_Ecuador _*_Geography _#_Total area: 283,560 km2; land area: 276,840 km2; includes Galapagos Islands _#_Comparative area: slightly smaller than Nevada _#_Land boundaries: 2,010 km total; Colombia 590 km, Peru 1,420 km _#_Coastline: 2,237 km _#_Maritime claims: Continental shelf: claims continental shelf between mainland and Galapagos Islands; Territorial sea: 200 nm _#_Disputes: two sections of the boundary with Peru are in dispute _#_Climate: tropical along coast becoming cooler inland _#_Terrain: coastal plain (Costa), inter-Andean central highlands (Sierra), and flat to rolling eastern jungle (Oriente) _#_Natural resources: petroleum, fish, timber _#_Land use: arable land 6%; permanent crops 3%; meadows and pastures 17%; forest and woodland 51%; other 23% ; includes irrigated 2% _#_Environment: subject to frequent earthquakes, landslides, volcanic activity; deforestation; desertification; soil erosion; periodic droughts _#_Note: Cotopaxi in Andes is highest active volcano in world _*_People _#_Population: 10,751,648 (July 1991), growth rate 2.3% (1991) _#_Birth rate: 30 births/1,000 population (1991) _#_Death rate: 7 deaths/1,000 population (1991) _#_Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1991) _#_Infant mortality rate: 60 deaths/1,000 live births (1991) _#_Life expectancy at birth: 64 years male, 68 years female (1991) _#_Total fertility rate: 3.7 children born/woman (1991) _#_Nationality: noun--Ecuadorian(s); adjective--Ecuadorian _#_Ethnic divisions: mestizo (mixed Indian and Spanish) 55%, Indian 25%, Spanish 10%, black 10% _#_Religion: Roman Catholic 95% _#_Language: Spanish (official); Indian languages, especially Quechua _#_Literacy: 86% (male 88%, female 84%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) _#_Labor force: 2,800,000; agriculture 35%, manufacturing 21%, commerce 16%, services and other activities 28% (1982) _#_Organized labor: less than 15% of labor force _*_Government _#_Long-form name: Republic of Ecuador _#_Type: republic _#_Capital: Quito _#_Administrative divisions: 21 provinces (provincias, singular--provincia); Azuay, Bolivar, Canar, Carchi, Chimborazo, Cotopaxi, El Oro, Esmeraldas, Galapagos, Guayas, Imbabura, Loja, Los Rios, Manabi, Morona-Santiago, Napo, Pastaza, Pichincha, Sucumbios, Tungurahua, Zamora-Chinchipe _#_Independence: 24 May 1822 (from Spain; Battle of Pichincha) _#_Constitution: 10 August 1979 _#_Legal system: based on civil law system; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction _#_National holiday: Independence Day, 10 August (1809, independence of Quito) _#_Executive branch: president, vice president, Cabinet _#_Legislative branch: unicameral National Congress (Congreso Nacional) _#_Judicial branch: Supreme Court (Corte Suprema) _#_Leaders: Chief of State and Head of Government--President Rodrigo BORJA Cevallos (since 10 August 1988); Vice President Luis PARODI Valverde (since 10 August 1988) _#_Political parties and leaders: Right to center parties-- Social Christian Party (PSC), former President Leon FEBRES Cordero Rivadeneira; Conservative Party (PC), Alberto DAHIK, leader; Radical Liberal Party (PLR), Blasco Manuel PENAHERRERA Padilla, director; Centrist parties-- Concentration of Popular Forces (CFP), Averroes BUCARAM Saxida, director; Radical Alfarist Front (FRA), Cecilia CALDERON de Castro, leader; People, Change, and Democracy (PCD), Aquiles RIGAIL Santistevan, director; Revolutionary Nationalist Party (PNR), Carlos Julio AROSEMENA Monroy, leader; Center-left parties-- Democratic Left (ID), President Rodrigo BORJA Cevallos, leader; Roldosist Party of Ecuador (PRE), Abdala BUCARAM Ortiz, director; Popular Democracy (DP), Vladimiro ALVAREZ, president; Christian Democratic (CD), Julio Cesar TRUJILLO; Democratic Party (PD), Francisco HUERTA Montalvo, leader; Far-left parties-- Broad Leftist Front (FADI), Rene MAUGE Mosquera, director; Socialist Party (PSE), Victor GRANDA Aguilar, secretary general; Democratic Popular Movement (MPD), Jaime HURTADO Gonzalez, leader; Ecuadorian National Liberation (LN), Alfredo CASTILLO, president; Popular Revolutionary Action Party (APRE), Lt. Gen. Frank VARGAS Pazzos, leader _#_Suffrage: universal at age 18; compulsory for literate persons ages 18-65, optional for other eligible voters _#_Elections: President--first round held 31 January 1988 and second round on 8 May 1988 (next first round to be held May 1992 and second round June 1992); results--Rodrigo BORJA Cevallos (ID) 54%, Abdala BUCARAM Ortiz (PRE) 46%; Chamber of Representatives--last held 17 June 1990 (next to be held June 1992); results--percent of vote by party NA; seats--(72 total) PSC 16, ID 14, PRE 13, PSE 8, DP 7, CFP 3, PC 3, PLR 3, FADI 2, FRA 2, MPD 1 _#_Communists: Communist Party of Ecuador (PCE, pro-Moscow), Rene Mauge Mosquera, secretary general, 5,000 members; Communist Party of Ecuador/Marxist Leninist (PCMLE, Maoist), 3,000 members; Socialist Party of Ecuador (PSE, pro-Cuba), 5,000 members (est.); National Liberation Party (PLN, Communist), 5,000 members (est.) _#_Member of: AG, ECLAC, FAO, G-11, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ITU, LAES, LAIA, LORCS, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPEC, PCA, RG, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO _#_Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Jaime MONCAYO; Chancery at 2535 15th Street NW, Washington DC 20009; telephone (202) 234-7200; there are Ecuadorian Consulates General in Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, and San Francisco, and a Consulate in San Diego; US--Ambassador Paul C. LAMBERT; Embassy at Avenida Patria 120, on the corner of Avenida 12 de Octubre, Quito (mailing address is P. O. Box 538, Quito, or APO Miami 34039); telephone [593] (2) 562-890; there is a US Consulate General in Guayaquil _#_Flag: three horizontal bands of yellow (top, double width), blue, and red with the coat of arms superimposed at the center of the flag; similar to the flag of Colombia which is shorter and does not bear a coat of arms _*_Economy _#_Overview: Ecuador has substantial oil resources and rich agricultural areas. Growth has been uneven because of natural disasters (e.g., a major earthquake in 1987), fluctuations in global oil prices, and government policies designed to curb inflation. The government has not taken a supportive attitude toward either domestic or foreign investment, although its agreement to enter the Andean free trade zone is an encouraging move. _#_GDP: $10.6 billion, per capita $1,010; real growth rate 1.5% (1990) _#_Inflation rate (consumer prices): 49.5% (1990) _#_Unemployment rate: 8.0% (1990) _#_Budget: revenues $2.2 billion; expenditures $2.2 billion, including capital expenditures of $375 million (1991) _#_Exports: $2.7 billion (f.o.b., 1990); commodities--petroleum 47%, coffee, bananas, cocoa products, shrimp, fish products; partners--US 60%, Latin America, Caribbean, EC countries _#_Imports: $1.7 billion (f.o.b., 1990); commodities--transport equipment, vehicles, machinery, chemicals; partners--US 34%, Latin America, Caribbean, EC, Japan _#_External debt: $11.8 billion (December 1990) _#_Industrial production: growth rate - 3.8% (1989); accounts for almost 40% of GDP, including petroleum _#_Electricity: 1,983,000 kW capacity; 6,011 million kWh produced, 570 kWh per capita (1990) _#_Industries: petroleum, food processing, textiles, metal works, paper products, wood products, chemicals, plastics, fishing, timber _#_Agricultur