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Mail subject headers can be searched with leading :'s. . .such as: :Afghanistan Geography :Afghanistan People :Afghanistan Government :Afghanistan Government :Afghanistan Economy :Afghanistan Economy :Afghanistan Communications :Afghanistan Defense Forces To find the beginning of any country, search for :country To find internal information, search for :country section, as above. THE WORLD FACTBOOK 1992 :Afghanistan Geography Total area: 647,500 km2 Land area: 647,500 km2 Comparative area: slightly smaller than Texas Land boundaries: 5,529 km total; China 76 km, Iran 936 km, Pakistan 2,430 km, Tajikistan 1,206 km, Turkmenistan 744 km, Uzbekistan 137 km Coastline: none - landlocked Maritime claims: none - landlocked Disputes: Pashtunistan issue over the North-West Frontier Province with Pakistan; periodic disputes with Iran over Helmand water rights; Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Iran continue to support clients in country; power struggles among various groups for control of Kabul, regional rivalries among emerging warlords, and traditional tribal disputes continue 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 :Afghanistan People Population: US Bureau of the Census - 16,095,664 (July 1992), growth rate 2.4% (1992) 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 (1992) Death rate: 20 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1992); note - there are flows across the border in both directions, but data are fragmentary and unreliable Infant mortality rate: 162 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 45 years male, 43 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 6.4 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Afghan(s); adjective - Afghan Ethnic divisions: Pashtun 38%, Tajik 25%, Uzbek 6%, Hazara 19%; minor ethnic groups include Chahar Aimaks, Turkmen, Baloch, and others Religions: Sunni Muslim 84%, Shi`a Muslim 15%, other 1% Languages: Pashtu 35%, Afghan Persian (Dari) 50%, Turkic languages (primarily Uzbek and Turkmen) 11%, 30 minor languages (primarily Balochi and Pashai) 4%; much bilingualism Literacy: 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 existed under the former regime but probably now have disbanded :Afghanistan Government Long-form name: Islamic State of Afghanistan Type: transitional Capital: Kabul Administrative divisions: 30 provinces (velayat, singular - velayat); Badakhshan, Badghis, Baghlan, Balkh, Bamian, Farah, Faryab, Ghazni, Ghowr, Helmand, Herat, Jowzjan, Kabol, Kandahar, Kapisa, Konar, Kondoz, Laghman, Lowgar, Nangarhar, Nimruz, Oruzgan, Paktia, Paktika, Parvan, Samangan, Sar-e Pol, Takhar, Vardak, Zabol; note - there may be a new province of Nurestan (Nuristan) Independence: 19 August 1919 (from UK) Constitution: the old Communist-era constitution probably will be replaced with an Islamic constitution Legal system: a new legal system has not been adopted but the transitional government has declared it will follow Islamic law (Shari`a) National holiday: 28 April, Victory of the Muslim Nation; 4 May, Remembrance Day for Martyrs and Disabled; 19 August, Independence Day Executive branch: a 51-member transitional council headed by Sibghatullah MOJADDEDI rules Kabul; this body is to turn over power to a leadership council, which will function as the government and organize elections; Burhanuddin RABBANI will serve as interim President Legislative branch: previous bicameral legislature has been abolished Judicial branch: an interim Chief Justice of the Supreme Court has been appointed, but a new court system has not yet been organized Leaders: Chief of State and Head of Government: Interim President Burhanuddin RABBANI; First Vice President Abdul Wahed SORABI (since 7 January 1991); Prime Minister Fazil Haq KHALIQYAR (since 21 May 1990) Political parties and leaders: the former resistance parties represent the only current political organizations and include Jamiat-i-Islami (Islamic Society), Burhanuddin RABBANI; Hizbi Islami-Gulbuddin (Islamic Party), Gulbuddin Hikmatyar Faction; Hizbi Islami-Khalis (Islamic Party) Yunis Khalis Faction; Ittihad-i-Islami Barai Azadi Afghanistan (Islamic Union for the Liberation of Afghanistan), Abdul Rasul SAYYAF; Harakat-Inqilab-i-Islami (Islamic Revolutionary Movement), Mohammad Nabi MOHAMMADI; Jabha-i-Najat-i-Milli Afghanistan (Afghanistan National Liberation Front), Sibghatullah MOJADDEDI; Mahaz-i-Milli-Islami (National Islamic Front), Sayed Ahamad GAILANI; Jonbesh-i-Milli Islami (National Islamic Movement), Ahmad Shah MASOOD and Rashid DOSTAM; Hizbi Wahdat (Islamic Unity Party), and a number of minor resistance parties; the former ruling Watan Party has been disbanded Suffrage: undetermined; previously universal, male ages 15-50 Elections: the transition government has promised elections in October 1992 Communists: the former ruling Watan (Homeland) Party has been disbanded :Afghanistan Government Other political or pressure groups: the former resistance commanders are the major power brokers in the countryside; shuras (councils) of commanders are now administering most cities outside Kabul; ulema (religious scholars); tribal elders Member of: Has previously been a 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 - the new government has not yet announced whether it will continue to be a member of these bodies; the former resistance government in exile (Afghan Interim Government) was given membership in the OIC in 1989 Diplomatic representation: previous Minister-Counselor, Charge d'Affaires Abdul Ghafur JOUSHAN; Chancery at 2341 Wyoming Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202) 234-3770 or 3771; a new representative has not yet been named 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: a new flag of unknown description reportedly has been adopted; previous flag consisted of three equal horizontal bands of black (top), red, and green, with the national coat of arms superimposed on the hoist side of the black and red bands; similar to the flag of Malawi, which is shorter and bears a radiant, rising red sun centered in the black band :Afghanistan Economy Overview: Fundamentally, Afghanistan is an extremely poor, landlocked country, highly dependent on farming (wheat especially) and livestock raising (sheep and goats). Economic considerations, however, have played second fiddle to political and military upheavals during more than 13 years of war, including the nearly 10-year Soviet military occupation (which ended 15 February 1989). Over the past decade, one-third of the population fled the country, with Pakistan sheltering more than 3 million refugees and Iran about 1.3 million. Another 1 million probably moved into and around urban areas within Afghanistan. Although reliable data are unavailable, gross domestic product is lower than 12 years ago because of the loss of labor and capital and the disruption of trade and transport. GDP: exchange rate conversion - $3 billion, per capita $200; real growth rate 0% (1989 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): over 90% (1991 est.) Unemployment rate: NA% Budget: revenues NA; expenditures NA, including capital expenditures of NA Exports: $236 million (f.o.b., FY91 est.) commodities: natural gas 55%, fruits and nuts 24%, handwoven carpets, wool, cotton, hides, and pelts partners: mostly former USSR Imports: $874 million (c.i.f., FY91 est.) commodities: food and petroleum products partners: mostly former USSR External debt: $2.3 billion (March 1991 est.) Industrial production: growth rate 2.3% (FY91 est.); accounts for about 25% of GDP Electricity: 480,000 kW capacity; 1,450 million kWh produced, 90 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: small-scale production of textiles, soap, furniture, shoes, fertilizer, and cement; handwoven carpets; natural gas, oil, coal, copper Agriculture: largely subsistence farming and nomadic animal husbandry; cash products - wheat, fruits, nuts, karakul pelts, wool, mutton Illicit drugs: an illicit producer of opium poppy and cannabis for the international drug trade; world's second-largest opium producer (after Burma) and a major source of hashish Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $380 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $510 million; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $57 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $4.1 billion; net official Western disbursements (1985-89), $270 million Currency: afghani (plural - afghanis); 1 afghani (Af) = 100 puls :Afghanistan Economy Exchange rates: afghanis (Af) per US$1 - 550 (May 1992, free market exchange rate), 900 (free market exchange rate as of November 1991), 850 (1991), 700 (1989-90), 220 (1988-89); note - these rates reflect the bazaar rates rather than the official exchange rates Fiscal year: 21 March - 20 March :Afghanistan Communications Railroads: 9.6 km (single track) 1.524-meter gauge from Kushka (Turkmenistan) to Towraghondi and 15.0 km from Termez (Uzbekistan) to Kheyrabad transshipment point on south bank of Amu Darya Highways: 21,000 km total (1984); 2,800 km hard surface, 1,650 km bituminous-treated gravel and improved earth, 16,550 km unimproved earth and tracks Inland waterways: total navigability 1,200 km; chiefly Amu Darya, which handles steamers up to about 500 metric tons Pipelines: petroleum products - former USSR to Bagram and former 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: 41 total, 37 usable; 9 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 10 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 18 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: limited telephone, telegraph, and radiobroadcast services; television introduced in 1980; 31,200 telephones; broadcast stations - 5 AM, no FM, 1 TV; 1 satellite earth station :Afghanistan Defense Forces Branches: the military currently is being reorganized by the new government and does not yet exist on a national scale; some elements of the former Army, Air and Air Defense Forces, National Guard, Border Guard Forces, National Police Force (Sarandoi), and Tribal Militias remain intact and are supporting the new government; the government has asked all military personnel to return to their stations; a large number of former resistance groups also field irregular military forces; the Ministry of State Security (WAD) has been disbanded Manpower availability: males 15-49, 3,989,232; 2,139,771 fit for military service; 150,572 reach military age (22) annually Defense expenditures: the new government has not yet adopted a defense budget :Albania Geography Total area: 28,750 km2 Land area: 27,400 km2 Comparative area: slightly larger than Maryland Land boundaries: 720 km total; Greece 282 km, Macedonia 151 km, Serbia and Montenegro 287 km (114 km with Serbia, 173 km with Montenegro) Coastline: 362 km Maritime claims: Continental shelf: not specified Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: Kosovo question with Serbia and Montenegro; Northern Epirus question with Greece Climate: mild temperate; cool, cloudy, wet winters; hot, clear, dry summers; interior is cooler and wetter Terrain: mostly mountains and hills; small plains along coast Natural resources: 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 Note: strategic location along Strait of Otranto (links Adriatic Sea to Ionian Sea and Mediterranean Sea) :Albania People Population: 3,285,224 (July 1992), growth rate 1.1% (1992) Birth rate: 23 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 5 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: --6 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 27 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 71 years male, 78 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 2.8 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Albanian(s); adjective - Albanian Ethnic divisions: Albanian 90%, Greeks 8%, other 2% (Vlachs, Gypsies, Serbs, and Bulgarians) (1989 est.) Religions: all mosques and churches were closed in 1967 and religious observances prohibited; in November 1990, Albania began allowing private religious practice; estimates of religious affiliation - Muslim 70%, Greek Orthodox 20%, Roman Catholic 10% Languages: 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: Independent Trade Union Federation of Albania; Confederation of Trade Unions :Albania Government Long-form name: Republic of Albania Type: nascent democracy Capital: Tirane Administrative divisions: 26 districts (rrethe, singular - rreth); Berat, Dibre, Durres, Elbasan, Fier, Gjirokaster, Gramsh, Kolonje, Kore, 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 1992 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, two deputy prime ministers of the Council of Ministers Legislative branch: unicameral People's Assembly (Kuvendi Popullor) Judicial branch: Supreme Court Leaders: Chief of State: President of the Republic Sali BERISHA (since 9 April 1992) Head of Government: Prime Minister of the Council of Ministers Aleksander MEKSI (since 10 April 1992) Political parties and leaders: there are at least 18 political parties; most prominent are the Albanian Socialist Party (ASP), Fatos NANO, first secretary; Democratic Party (DP), Eduard SELAMI, chairman; Albanian Republican Party (RP), Sabri GODO; Omonia (Greek minority party), leader NA (ran in 1992 election as Unity for Human Rights Party (UHP)); Social Democratic Party (SDP), Skender GJINUSHI; note - in December 1990 then President ALIA allowed new political parties to be formed in addition to the then AWP for the first time since 1944 Suffrage: universal and compulsory at age 18 Elections: People's Assembly: last held 22 March 1992; results - DP 62.29%, ASP 25.57%, SDP 4.33%, RP 3.15%, UHP 2.92%, other 1.74%; seats - (140 total) DP 92, ASP 38, SDP 7, RP 1, UHP 2 Member of: CSCE, EBRD, ECE, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, IMF, INTERPOL, IOC, ISO, ITU, LORCS, OIC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WMO Diplomatic representation: Minister-Counselor, Charge d'Affaires ad interim (30 April 1991) Sazan Hyda BEJO; chancery (temporary) at 320 East 79th Street, New York, NY 10021; telephone (212) 249-2059 US: Ambassador (vacant); Embassy at Rruga Labinoti 103, room 2921, Tirane (mailing address is APO AE 09624); telephone 355-42-32875; FAX 355-42-32222 :Albania Government Flag: red with a black two-headed eagle in the center :Albania Economy Overview: The Albanian economy, already providing the lowest standard of living in Europe, contracted sharply in 1991, with most industries producing at only a fraction of past levels and an unemployment rate estimated at 40%. For over 40 years, the Stalinist-type economy has operated on the principle of central planning and state ownership of the means of production. Albania began fitful economic reforms during 1991, including the liberalization of prices and trade, the privatization of shops and transport, and land reform. These reform measures were crippled, however, by the widespread civil disorder that accompanied the collapse of the Communist state. Following their overwhelming victory in the 22 March 1991 elections, the new Democratic government announced a program of shock therapy to stabilize the economy and establish a market economy. In an effort to expand international ties, Tirane has reestablished diplomatic relations with the former Soviet Union and the US and has joined the IMF and World Bank. The Albanians have also passed legislation allowing foreign investment. Albania possesses considerable mineral resources and, until 1990, was largely self-sufficient in food; however, the breakup of cooperative farms in 1991 and general economic decline forced Albania to rely on foreign aid to maintain adequate supplies. Available statistics on Albanian economic activity are rudimentary and subject to an especially wide margin of error. GNP: purchasing power equivalent - $2.7 billion, per capita $820; real growth rate --35% (1991 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 100% (1991 est.) Unemployment rate: 40% (1992 est.) Budget: revenues $1.1 billion; expenditures $1.4 billion, including capital expenditures of $70 million (1991 est.) Exports: $80 million (f.o.b., 1991 est.) commodities: asphalt, petroleum products, metals and metallic ores, electricity, crude oil, vegetables, fruits, tobacco partners: Italy, Yugoslavia, Germany, Greece, Czechoslovakia, Poland, Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary Imports: $147 million (f.o.b., 1991 est.) commodities: machinery, machine tools, iron and steel products, textiles, chemicals, pharmaceuticals partners: Italy, Yugoslavia, Germany, Czechoslovakia, Romania, Poland, Hungary, Bulgaria External debt: $500 million (1991 est.) Industrial production: growth rate --55% (1991 est.) 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 :Albania Economy Agriculture: arable land per capita among lowest in Europe; over 60% of arable land now in private hands; one-half of work force engaged in farming; wide range of temperate-zone crops and livestock; severe dislocations suffered in 1991 Economic aid: $190 million humanitarian aid, $94 million in loans/guarantees/credits Currency: lek (plural - leke); 1 lek (L) = 100 qintars Exchange rates: leke (L) per US$1 - 50 (January 1992), 25 (September 1991) Fiscal year: calendar year :Albania Communications Railroads: 543 km total; 509 1.435-meter standard gauge, single track and 34 km narrow gauge, single track (1990); line connecting Titograd (Serbia and Montenegro) and Shkoder (Albania) completed August 1986 Highways: 16,700 km total; 6,700 km highways, 10,000 km forest and agricultural cart roads (1990) Inland waterways: 43 km plus Albanian sections of Lake Scutari, Lake Ohrid, and Lake Prespa (1990) Pipelines: crude oil 145 km; petroleum products 55 km; natural gas 64 km (1988) Ports: Durres, Sarande, Vlore Merchant marine: 11 cargo ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 52,886 GRT/76,449 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: inadequate service; 15,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 13 AM, 1 TV; 514,000 radios, 255,000 TVs (1987 est.) :Albania Defense Forces Branches: Army, Coastal Defense Command, Air and Air Defense Forces, Interior Ministry Troops, Border Troops Manpower availability: males 15-49, 886,032; 731,072 fit for military service; 33,028 reach military age (19) annually Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - 1.0 billion leks, NA% of GNP (FY90); note - conversion of defense expenditures into US dollars using the current exchange rate could 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; land boundary disputes with Tunisia under discussion Climate: arid to semiarid; mild, wet winters with hot, dry summers along coast; drier with cold winters and hot summers on high plateau; sirocco is a hot, dust/sand-laden wind especially common in summer Terrain: mostly high plateau and desert; some mountains; narrow, discontinuous coastal plain Natural resources: 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) :Algeria People Population: 26,666,921 (July 1992), growth rate 2.5% (1992) Birth rate: 31 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 7 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 56 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 66 years male, 68 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 4.1 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Algerian(s); adjective - Algerian Ethnic divisions: Arab-Berber 99%, European less than 1% Religions: Sunni Muslim (state religion) 99%, Christian and Jewish 1% Languages: Arabic (official), French, Berber dialects Literacy: 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 :Algeria Government Long-form name: Democratic and Popular Republic of Algeria Type: republic Capital: Algiers Administrative divisions: 48 provinces (wilayast, singular - wilaya); Adrar, Ain Defla, Ain Temouchent, Alger, Annaba, Batna, Bechar, Bejaia, Biskra, Blida, Bordj Bou Arreridj, Bouira, Boumerdes, Chlef, Constantine, Djelfa, El Bayadh, El Oued, El Tarf, Ghardaia, Guelma, Illizi, Jijel, Khenchela, Laghouat, Mascara, Medea, Mila, Mostaganem, M'Sila, Naama, Oran, Ouargla, Oum el Bouaghi, Relizane, Saida, Setif, Sidi Bel Abbes, Skikda, Souk Ahras, Tamanghasset, Tebessa, Tiaret, Tindouf, Tipaza, Tissemsilt, Tizi Ouzou, Tlemcen Independence: 5 July 1962 (from France) Constitution: 19 November 1976, effective 22 November 1976; revised February 1989 Legal system: socialist, based on French and Islamic law; judicial review of legislative acts in ad hoc Constitutional Council composed of various public officials, including several Supreme Court justices; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction National holiday: Anniversary of the Revolution, 1 November (1954) 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 Mohamed BOUDIAF; assassinated 29 June 1992 Head of Government: Interim Prime Minister Sid Ahmed GHOZALI (since 6 June 1991) Political parties and leaders: National Liberation Front (FLN); Socialist Forces Front (FFS), Hocine Ait AHMED, Secretary General; 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: National People's Assembly: first round held on 26 December 1991 (second round canceled by the military after President BENJEDID resigned 11 January 1992); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (281 total); the fundamentalist FIS won 188 of the 231 seats contested in the first round; note - elections (municipal and wilaya) were held in June 1990, the first in Algerian history; results - FIS 55%, FLN 27.5%, other 17.5%, with 65% of the voters participating President: next election to be held December 1993 Communists: 400 (est.); Communist party banned 1962 Member of: ABEDA, AfDB, AFESD, AL, AMF, AMU, CCC, ECA, FAO, G-15, 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 :Algeria Government Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Abderrahmane BENSID; Chancery at 2118 Kalorama Road NW, Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202) 265-2800 US: Ambassador Mary Ann CASEY; 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; FAX [213] (2) 603979; 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) :Algeria Economy Overview: The oil and natural gas sector 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, has brought the nation to its most serious social and economic crisis since independence in 1988. The government has promised far-reaching reforms, including privatization of some public- sector companies, encouraging private-sector activity, boosting gas and nonhydrocarbon exports, and proposing a major overhaul of the banking and financial systems, but to date it has made only limited progress. GDP: exchange rate conversion - $54 billion, per capita $2,130; real growth rate 2.5% (1990 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 30% (1991 est.) Unemployment rate: 30% (1991 est.) Budget: revenues $16.7 billion; expenditures $17.3 billion, including capital expenditures of $6.6 billion (1990 est.) Exports: $11.7 billion (f.o.b., 1991 est.) commodities: petroleum and natural gas 97% partners: Netherlands, Czechoslovakia, Romania, Italy, France, US Imports: $9 billion (f.o.b., 1991 est.) commodities: capital goods 29%, consumer goods 30% partners: France 25%, Italy 8%, FRG 8%, US 6-7% External debt: $26.4 billion Industrial production: growth rate --3% (1989 est.); accounts for 30% of GDP, including petroleum Electricity: 6,380,000 kW capacity; 16,700 million kWh produced, 640 kWh per capita (1991) 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 (1970-89), $925 million; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $1.8 billion; Communist countries (1970-89), $2.7 billion; net official disbursements (1985-89), --$375 million Currency: Algerian dinar (plural - dinars); 1 Algerian dinar (DA) = 100 centimes Exchange rates: Algerian dinars (DA) per US$1 - 21.862 (January 1992), 18.473 (1991), 8.958 (1990), 7.6086 (1989), 5.9148 (1988), 4.8497 (1987) :Algeria Economy Fiscal year: calendar year :Algeria Communications Railroads: 4,060 km total; 2,616 km standard gauge (1.435 m), 1,188 km 1.055-meter gauge, 256 km 1.000-meter gauge; 300 km electrified; 215 km double track Highways: 80,000 km total; 60,000 km concrete or bituminous, 20,000 km gravel, crushed stone, unimproved earth Pipelines: crude oil 6,612 km; petroleum products 298 km; natural gas 2,948 km Ports: Algiers, Annaba, Arzew, Bejaia, Djendjene, Ghazaouet, Jijel, Mers el Kebir, Mostaganem, Oran, Skikda Merchant marine: 75 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 903,179 GRT/1,064,246 DWT; includes 5 short-sea passenger, 27 cargo, 12 roll-on/roll-off cargo, 5 petroleum tanker, 9 liquefied gas, 7 chemical tanker, 9 bulk, 1 specialized tanker Civil air: 42 major transport aircraft Airports: 141 total, 124 usable; 53 with permanent-surface runways; 2 with runways over 3,659 m; 32 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 65 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: excellent domestic and international service in the north, sparse in the south; 822,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 26 AM, no FM, 18 TV; 1,600,000 TV sets; 5,200,000 radios; 5 submarine cables; radio relay to Italy, France, Spain, Morocco, and Tunisia; coaxial cable to Morocco and Tunisia; satellite earth stations - 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT, 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT, 1 Intersputnik, l ARABSAT, and 15 domestic :Algeria Defense Forces Branches: National Popular Army, Navy, Air Force, Territorial Air Defense, National Gendarmerie Manpower availability: males 15-49, 6,386,157; 3,928,029 fit for military service; 283,068 reach military age (19) annually Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $867 million, approximately 1.8% of GDP (1992) :American Samoa Geography Total area: 199 km2 Land area: 199 km2; includes Rose Island and Swains Island 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 Disputes: none Climate: tropical marine, moderated by southeast trade winds; annual rainfall averages 124 inches; rainy season from November to April, dry season from May to October; little seasonal temperature variation Terrain: five volcanic islands with rugged peaks and limited coastal plains, two coral atolls 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 :American Samoa People Population: 51,115 (July 1992), growth rate 3.9% (1992); about 65,000 American Samoans live in the states of California and Washington and 20,000 in Hawaii Birth rate: 37 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 4 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 6 immigrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 19 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 71 years male, 75 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 4.5 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - American Samoan(s); adjective - American Samoan; US, noncitizen nationals Ethnic divisions: Samoan (Polynesian) 90%, Caucasian 2%, Tongan 2%, other 6% Religions: Christian Congregationalist 50%, Roman Catholic 20%, Protestant denominations and other 30% Languages: 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: 14,400 (1990); government 48%, tuna canneries 33%, other 19% (1986 est.) Organized labor: NA :American Samoa Government Long-form name: Territory of American Samoa Type: unincorporated and unorganized territory of the US; administered by the US Department of Interior, Office of Territorial and International Affairs; indigenous inhabitants are US nationals, not citizens 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; note - a comprehensive revision is awaiting ratification by the US Congress (1992) National holiday: Territorial Flag Day, 17 April (1900) Executive branch: popularly elected governor and 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, district courts, and village courts 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) House of Representatives: last held 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) 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 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 Member of: ESCAP, 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 :American Samoa Economy Overview: Economic development is strongly linked to the US, with which American Samoa does nearly 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 and the government are by far the two largest employers. Other economic activities include a slowly developing tourist industry. GNP: purchasing power equivalent - $128 million, per capita $2,500; real growth rate NA% (1990) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 4.3% (1989) Unemployment rate: 12% (1991) Budget: revenues $126,394,000 (consisting of $46,441,000 local revenue and $79,953,000 grant revenue); including capital expenditures of $NA million (1990) Exports: $307 million (f.o.b., 1989) commodities: canned tuna 93% partners: US 99.6% Imports: $377.9 million (c.i.f., 1989) commodities: materials for canneries 56%, food 8%, petroleum 7%, machinery and parts 6% 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), meat canning, handicrafts Agriculture: bananas, coconuts, vegetables, taro, breadfruit, yams, copra, pineapples, papayas, dairy farming Economic aid: $21,042,650 in operational funds and $5,948,931 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 :American Samoa 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; broadcast stations - 1 AM, 2 FM, 1 TV; good telex, telegraph, and facsimile services; 1 Pacific Ocean INTELSAT earth station, 1 COMSAT earth station :American Samoa Defense Forces Note: defense is the responsibility of the US :Andorra Geography 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 Disputes: none Climate: temperate; snowy, cold winters and cool, dry summers Terrain: rugged mountains dissected by narrow valleys Natural resources: hydropower, mineral water, timber, iron ore, lead Land use: arable land 2%; permanent crops 0%; meadows and pastures 56%; forest and woodland 22%; other 20% Environment: deforestation, overgrazing Note: landlocked :Andorra People Population: 54,428 (July 1992), growth rate 2.2% (1992) Birth rate: 11 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 4 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 15 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 7 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 74 years male, 81 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 1.3 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Andorran(s); adjective - Andorran Ethnic divisions: Catalan stock; Spanish 61%, Andorran 30%, French 6%, other 3% Religions: virtually all Roman Catholic Languages: Catalan (official); many also speak some French and Castilian Literacy: NA% (male NA%, female NA%) Labor force: NA Organized labor: none :Andorra 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 veguers 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 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 by party NA; seats - (28 total) number of seats by party NA Member of: INTERPOL, IOC Diplomatic representation: Andorra has no mission in the US :Andorra Government US: includes Andorra within the Barcelona (Spain) Consular District, and the US Consul General visits Andorra periodically; Consul General Carolee HEILEMAN; Consulate General at Via Layetana 33, 08003 Barcelona (mailing address APO AE 09646); 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 that do not have a national coat of arms in the center :Andorra Economy Overview: The mainstay of Andorra's economy is tourism. An estimated 13 million tourists visit annually, attracted by Andorra's duty-free status and by its summer and winter resorts. 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: purchasing power equivalent - $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 (1991) Industries: tourism (particularly skiing), sheep, timber, tobacco, banking Agriculture: sheep raising; small quantities of tobacco, rye, wheat, barley, oats, and some vegetables Economic aid: none Currency: 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 - 5.3801 January (1992), 5.6421 (1991), 5.4453 (1990), 6.3801 (1989), 5.9569 (1988), 6.0107 (1987); Spanish pesetas (Ptas) per US$1 - 100.02 (January 1992), 103.91 (1991), 101.93 (1990), 118.38 (1989), 116.49 (1988), 123.48 (1987) Fiscal year: calendar year :Andorra Communications Highways: 96 km Telecommunications: international digital microwave network; international landline circuits to France and Spain; broadcast stations - 1 AM, no FM, no TV; 17,700 telephones :Andorra Defense Forces Note: defense is the responsibility of France and Spain :Angola Geography 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 in late September 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 :Angola People Population: 8,902,076 (July 1992), growth rate 2.7% (1992) Birth rate: 46 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 19 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: NEGL migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 152 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 43 years male, 47 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 6.6 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Angolan(s); adjective - Angolan Ethnic divisions: Ovimbundu 37%, Kimbundu 25%, Bakongo 13%, Mestico 2%,European 1%, other 22% Religions: indigenous beliefs 47%, Roman Catholic 38%, Protestant 15% (est.) Languages: Portuguese (official); 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) :Angola 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, prime minister, 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 Relacaao) Leaders: Chief of State: President Jose Eduardo dos SANTOS (since 21 September 1979) Head of Government: Prime Minister Fernando Jose Franca VAN DUNEM (since 21 July 1991) Political parties and leaders: the Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola - Labor Party (MPLA), led by Jose Eduardo dos SANTOS, is the ruling party that has been in power in Angola's one-party system since 1975. The National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA), led by Jonas SAVIMBI, has been in insurgency since 1975, but as a result of the peace accords is now a legally recognized political party. Some 30 other political parties now exist in Angola, but few of them are viable and only a couple have met the requirements to become legally recognized. Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: first nationwide, multiparty elections to be held between September and November 1992 Member of: ACP, AfDB, CCC, CEEAC (observer), ECA, FAO, FLS, G-77, IBRD, 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; note - US Liaison Office (USLO) established after Peace Accords in May 1991 as a precursor to establishing an embassy after election in 1992; address - Luanda (USLO), BPA Building, llth floor, telephone [244] (2) 39-02-42; FAX [244] (2) 39-05-15 Flag: two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and black with a centered yellow emblem consisting of a five-pointed star within half a cogwheel crossed by a machete (in the style of a hammer and sickle) :Angola Economy Overview: Subsistence agriculture provides the main livelihood for 80-90% of the population, but accounts for less than 15% of GDP. Oil production is vital to the economy, contributing about 60% to GDP. In recent years, a bitter 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 in addition to oil, notably gold, diamonds, and arable land. To realize its economic potential Angola not only must secure domestic peace but also must reform government policies that have led to distortions and imbalances throughout the economy. GDP: exchange rate conversion - $8.3 billion, per capita $950; real growth rate 1.7% (1991 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 6.1% (1990 est.) Unemployment rate: NA% Budget: revenues $2.6 billion; expenditures $4.4 billion, including capital expenditures of $963 million (1990 est.) Exports: $3.9 billion (f.o.b., 1990 est.) commodities: oil, liquefied 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: 510,000 kW capacity; 770 million kWh produced, 90 kWh per capita (1991) 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 (1970-89), $1,105 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $1.3 billion; net official disbursements (1985-89), $750 million Currency: kwanza (plural - kwanza); 1 kwanza (Kz) = 100 lwei Exchange rates: kwanza (Kz) per US$1 - 180.0 :Angola Economy Fiscal year: calendar year :Angola Communications Railroads: 3,189 km total; 2,879 km 1.067-meter gauge, 310 km 0.600-meter gauge; limited trackage in use because of landmines still in place from the civil war; majority of the Benguela Railroad also closed because of civil war Highways: 73,828 km total; 8,577 km bituminous-surface treatment, 29,350 km crushed stone, gravel, or improved earth, remainder unimproved earth Inland waterways: 1,295 km navigable Pipelines: crude oil 179 km Ports: Luanda, Lobito, Namibe, Cabinda Merchant marine: 12 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 66,348 GRT/102,825 DWT; includes 11 cargo, 1 petroleum tanker Civil air: 28 major transport aircraft Airports: 309 total, 177 usable; 30 with permanent-surface runways; 2 with runways over 3,659 m; 15 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 54 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: limited system of wire, radio relay, and troposcatter routes; high frequency radio used extensively for military links; 40,300 telephones; broadcast stations - 17 AM, 13 FM, 6 TV; 2 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth stations :Angola Defense Forces Branches: Army, Navy, Air Force/Air Defense, People's Defense Organization and Territorial Troops, Frontier Guard Manpower availability: males 15-49, 2,129,877; 1,072,323 fit for military service; 89,585 reach military age (18) annually Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $NA, NA% of GDP :Anguilla 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 Disputes: none Climate: tropical; moderated by northeast trade winds Terrain: flat and low-lying island of coral and limestone Natural resources: negligible; salt, fish, lobster Land use: arable land NA%; permanent crops NA%; meadows and pastures NA%; forest and woodland NA%; other NA%; mostly rock with sparse scrub oak, few trees, some commercial salt ponds Environment: frequent hurricanes, other tropical storms (July to October) Note: located 270 km east of Puerto Rico :Anguilla People Population: 6,963 (July 1992), growth rate 0.6% (1992) Birth rate: 24 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 8 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: --10 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 18 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 71 years male, 77 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 3.1 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Anguillan(s); adjective - Anguillan Ethnic divisions: mainly of black African descent Religions: Anglican 40%, Methodist 33%, Seventh-Day Adventist 7%, Baptist 5%, Roman Catholic 3%, other 12% Languages: 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 :Anguilla 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 March 1984, served previously from February 1977 to May 1980) Political parties and leaders: Anguilla National Alliance (ANA), Emile GUMBS; Anguilla United Party (AUP), Hubert HUGHES; 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 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 :Anguilla Economy Overview: Anguilla has few natural resources, and the economy depends heavily on lobster fishing, offshore banking, tourism, and remittances from emigrants. In recent years the economy has benefited from a boom in tourism. Development plans center around the improvement of the infrastructure, particularly transport and tourist facilities, and also light industry. GDP: exchange rate conversion - $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 $13.8 million; expenditures $15.2 million, including capital expenditures of $2.4 million (1992 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, 867 kWh per capita (1991) 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 :Anguilla 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; broadcast stations - 3 AM, 1 FM, no TV; radio relay link to island of Saint Martin :Anguilla Defense Forces Note: defense is the responsibility of the UK :Antarctica Geography Total area: 14,000,000 km2 (est.) 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: none, but see entry on Disputes Coastline: 17,968 km Maritime claims: none, but 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; the US and Russia 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 90. west and 150. west, where, because of floating ice, Antarctica is unapproachable from the sea Climate: severe low temperatures vary with latitude, elevation, and distance from the ocean; East Antarctica is colder than West Antarctica because of its higher elevation; Antarctic Peninsula has the most moderate climate; higher temperatures occur in January along the coast and average slightly below freezing Terrain: about 98% thick continental ice sheet and 2% barren rock, with average elevations between 2,000 and 4,000 meters; mountain ranges up to 4,897 meters high; ice-free coastal areas include parts of southern Victoria Land, Wilkes Land, the Antarctic Peninsula area, and Ross Island on McMurdo Sound; glaciers form ice shelves along about half of the coastline, and floating ice shelves constitute 11% of the area of the continent Natural resources: none presently exploited; iron, chromium, copper, gold, nickel, platinum, and other minerals, and coal and hydrocarbons have been found in small, uncommercial quantities Land use: no arable land and no plant growth; ice 98%, barren rock 2% Environment: mostly uninhabitable; katabatic (gravity-driven) winds blow coastward from the high interior; frequent blizzards form near the foot of the plateau; a circumpolar ocean current flows clockwise along the coast as do cyclonic storms that form over the ocean; during summer more solar radiation reaches the surface at the South Pole than is received at the Equator in an equivalent period; in October 1991 it was reported that the ozone shield, which protects the Earth's surface from harmful ultraviolet radiation, had dwindled to its lowest level ever over Antarctica; active volcanism on Deception Island and isolated areas of West Antarctica; other seismic activity rare and weak Note: the coldest, windiest, highest, and driest continent :Antarctica People Population: no indigenous inhabitants; staffing of research stations varies seasonally Population: Summer (January) population: 4,115; Argentina 207, Australia 268, Belgium 13, Brazil 80, Chile 256, China NA, Ecuador NA, Finland 11, France 78, Germany 32, Greenpeace 12, India 60, Italy 210, Japan 59, South Korea 14, Netherlands 10, New Zealand 264, Norway 23, Peru 39, Poland NA, South Africa 79, Spain 43, Sweden 10, UK 116, Uruguay NA, US 1,666, Russia 565 (1989-90) Summer only stations: over 40; Argentina 7, Australia 3, Chile 5, Germany 3, India 1, Italy 1, Japan 4, New Zealand 2, Norway 1, Peru 1, South Africa 1, Spain 1, Sweden 2, UK 1, US numerous, Russia 5 (1989-90); note - the disintegration of the former Soviet Union has placed the status and future of its Antarctic facilities in doubt. Stations may be subject to closings at any time because of ongoing economic difficulties. Winter (July) population: 1,066 total; Argentina 150, Australia 71, Brazil 12, Chile 73, China NA, France 33, Germany 19, Greenpeace 5, India 1, Japan 38, South Korea 14, NZ 11, Poland NA, South Africa 12, UK 69, Uruguay NA, US 225, Russia 313 (1989-90) Year-round stations: 43 total; Argentina 6, Australia 3, Brazil 1, Chile 3, China 2, Finland 1, France 1, Germany 1, India 1, Japan 2, South Korea 1, NZ 1, Poland 1, South Africa 3, UK 5, Uruguay 1, US 3, Russia 6 (1990-91) :Antarctica Government Long-form name: none Type: 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 scientific research or any other peaceful 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 60. 00' south Article 7: treaty-state observers have free access, including aerial observation, to any area and may inspect all stations, installations, and equipment; advance notice of all activities and of the introduction of military personnel must be given Article 8: allows for jurisdiction over observers and scientists by their own states Article 9: frequent consultative meetings take place among member nations Article 10: treaty states will discourage activities by any country in Antarctica that are contrary to the treaty Article 11: disputes to be settled peacefully by the parties concerned or, ultimately, by the ICJ Article 12, 13, 14: deal with upholding, interpreting, and amending the treaty among involved nations Other agreements: more than 170 recommendations adopted at treaty consultative meetings and ratified by governments include - Agreed Measures for the Conservation of Antarctic Fauna and Flora (1964); Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Seals (1972); Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (1980); a mineral resources agreement was signed in 1988 but was subsequently rejected; in 1991 the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty was signed and awaits ratification; this agreement provides for the protection of the Antarctic environment through five specific annexes on marine pollution, fauna, and flora, environmental impact assessments, waste management, and protected areas; it also prohibits all activities relating to mineral resources except scientific research :Antarctica Economy Overview: No economic activity at present except for fishing off the coast and small-scale tourism, both based abroad. :Antarctica Communications Ports: none; offshore anchorage only at most coastal stations Airports: 41 airport facilities at different locations operated by 14 national governments party to the Treaty; one additional air facility operated by commercial (nongovernmental) tourist organization; helicopter pads at 28 of these locations; runways at 9 locations are gravel, sea ice, glacier ice, or compacted snow surface suitable for wheeled fixed-wing aircraft; no paved runways; 16 locations have snow-surface skiways limited to use by ski-equipped planes - 9 runways/skiways 1,000 to 3,000 m, 4 runways/skiways less than 1,000 m, 5 runways/skiways greater than 3,000 m, and 7 of unspecified or variable length; airports generally subject to severe restrictions and limitations resulting from extreme seasonal and geographic conditions :Antarctica Defense Forces Note: none; Article 7 of the Antarctic Treaty states that advance notice of all military 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 Disputes: none Climate: tropical marine; little seasonal temperature variation Terrain: mostly low-lying limestone and coral islands with some higher volcanic areas Natural resources: negligible; pleasant climate fosters tourism Land use: arable land 18%; permanent crops 0%; meadows and pastures 7%; forest and woodland 16%; other 59% 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 :Antigua and Barbuda People Population: 64,110 (July 1992), growth rate 0.4% (1992) Birth rate: 18 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 6 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: --8 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 20 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 71 years male, 75 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 1.7 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Antiguan(s), Barbudan(s); adjective - Antiguan, Barbudan Ethnic divisions: almost entirely of black African origin; some of British, Portuguese, Lebanese, and Syrian origin Religions: Anglican (predominant), other Protestant sects, some Roman Catholic Languages: 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.) :Antigua and Barbuda 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, Cabinet Legislative branch: bicameral Parliament consists of an upper house or Senate and a lower house or House of Representatives Judicial branch: Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court Leaders: Chief of State: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Governor General Sir Wilfred Ebenezer JACOBS (since 1 November 1981, previously Governor since 1976) Head of Government: Prime Minister Vere Cornwall BIRD, Sr. (since NA 1976); Deputy Prime Minister (vacant) Political parties and leaders: Antigua Labor Party (ALP), Vere C. BIRD, Sr., Lester BIRD; United Progressive Party (UPP), Baldwin SPENCER Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: House of Representatives: last held 9 March 1989 (next to be held NA 1994); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (17 total) ALP 15, UPP 1, independent 1 Other political or pressure groups: United Progressive Party (UPP), a coalition of three opposition political parties - the United National Democratic Party (UNDP), the Antigua Caribbean Liberation Movement (ACLM), and the Progressive Labor Movement (PLM), the UPP is led by Baldwin SPENCER; 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 Patrick Albert LEWIS; 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 :Antigua and Barbuda Government 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 AA 34054); telephone (809) 462-3505 or 3506; FAX (809) 462-3516 Flag: red with an inverted isosceles triangle based on the top edge of the flag; the triangle contains three horizontal bands of black (top), light blue, and white with a yellow rising sun in the black band :Antigua and Barbuda Economy Overview: The economy is primarily service oriented, with tourism the most important determinant of economic performance. During the period 1987-90, real GDP expanded at an annual average rate of about 6%. Tourism makes a direct contribution to GDP of about 13% and also affects growth in other sectors - particularly in construction, communications, and public utilities. Although Antigua and Barbuda is one of the few areas in the Caribbean experiencing a labor shortage in some sectors of the economy, it was hurt in 1991 by a downturn in tourism caused by the Persian Gulf war and the US recession. GDP: exchange rate conversion - $418 million, per capita $6,500 (1989); real growth rate 4.2% (1990 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) 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: $325.9 million (c.i.f., 1990) 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 3% of GDP Electricity: 52,100 kW capacity; 95 million kWh produced, 1,482 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: tourism, construction, light manufacturing (clothing, alcohol, household appliances) Agriculture: accounts for 4% of GDP; expanding output of cotton, fruits, vegetables, and livestock; other crops - bananas, coconuts, cucumbers, mangoes, sugarcane; not self-sufficient in food Economic aid: US commitments, $10 million (1985-88); Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $50 million Currency: East Caribbean dollar (plural - dollars); 1 EC dollar (EC$) = 100 cents Exchange rates: East Caribbean dollars (EC$) per US$1 - 2.70 (fixed rate since 1976) Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March :Antigua and Barbuda Communications Railroads: 64 km 0.760-meter narrow gauge and 13 km 0.610-meter gauge used almost exclusively for handling sugarcane Highways: 240 km Ports: Saint John's Merchant marine: 105 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 364,891 GRT/552,475 DWT; includes 71 cargo, 3 refrigerated cargo, 12 container, 3 roll-on/roll-off cargo, 1 multifunction large load carrier, 1 oil tanker, 12 chemical tanker, 2 bulk; note - a flag of convenience registry Civil air: 11 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; broadcast stations - 4 AM, 2 FM, 2 TV, 2 shortwave; 1 coaxial submarine cable; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station :Antigua and Barbuda Defense Forces Branches: Royal Antigua and Barbuda Defense Force, Royal Antigua and Barbuda Police Force (including the Coast Guard) Manpower availability: NA Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $1.4 million, 1% of GDP (FY91) :Arctic Ocean Geography Total area: 14,056,000 km2 Land 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 Disputes: some maritime disputes (see littoral states) 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 that averages about 3 meters in thickness, although pressure ridges may be three times that size; clockwise drift pattern in the Beaufort Gyral Stream, but nearly straight line movement from the New Siberian Islands (Russia) to Denmark Strait (between Greenland and Iceland); the ice pack is surrounded by open seas during the summer, but more than doubles in size during the winter and extends to the encircling land masses; the ocean floor is about 50% continental shelf (highest percentage of any ocean) with the remainder a central basin interrupted by three submarine ridges (Alpha Cordillera, Nansen Cordillera, and Lomonsov Ridge); maximum depth is 4,665 meters in the Fram Basin Natural resources: sand and gravel aggregates, placer deposits, polymetallic nodules, oil and gas fields, fish, marine mammals (seals, whales) Environment: endangered marine species include walruses and whales; ice islands occasionally break away from northern Ellesmere Island; icebergs calved from glaciers in western Greenland and extreme northeastern Canada; maximum snow cover in March or April about 20 to 50 centimeters over the frozen ocean and lasts about 10 months; permafrost in islands; virtually icelocked from October to June; fragile ecosystem slow to change and slow to recover from disruptions or damage Note: major chokepoint is the southern Chukchi Sea (northern access to the Pacific Ocean via the Bering Strait); ships subject to superstructure icing from October to May; strategic location between North America and Russia; shortest marine link between the extremes of eastern and western Russia, floating research stations operated by the US and Russia :Arctic Ocean Economy Overview: Economic activity is limited to the exploitation of natural resources, including crude oil, natural gas, fish, and seals. :Arctic Ocean Communications Ports: Churchill (Canada), Murmansk (Russia), Prudhoe Bay (US) Telecommunications: no submarine cables Note: sparse network of air, ocean, river, and land routes; the Northwest Passage (North America) and Northern Sea Route (Asia) are important seasonal 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 Exclusive economic zone: nm limits unknown Territorial sea: 12 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) :Argentina People Population: 32,901,234 (July 1992), growth rate 1.1% (1992) Birth rate: 20 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 9 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: NEGL migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 34 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 67 years male, 74 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 2.8 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Argentine(s); adjective - Argentine Ethnic divisions: white 85%; mestizo, Indian, or other nonwhite groups 15% Religions: nominally Roman Catholic 90% (less than 20% practicing), Protestant 2%, Jewish 2%, other 6% Languages: Spanish (official), English, Italian, German, French Literacy: 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 :Argentina Government Long-form name: Argentine Republic Type: republic Capital: Buenos Aires Administrative divisions: 23 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia), 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, 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 (position vacant) Political parties and leaders: Justicialist Party (JP), Carlos Saul MENEM, Peronist umbrella political organization; Radical Civic Union (UCR), Mario LOSADA, moderately left of center; Union of the Democratic Center (UCD), Jorge AGUADO, conservative party; Intransigent Party (PI), Dr. Oscar ALENDE, leftist party; several provincial parties Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: Chamber of Deputies: last held in three phases during late 1991 for half of 254 seats, total current breakdown of seats - JP 122, UCR 85, UCD 10, other 37 President: last held 14 May 1989 (next to be held NA May 1995); results - Carlos Saul MENEM was elected Senate: last held May 1989, but provincial elections in late 1991 set the stage for indirect elections by provincial senators for one-third of 46 seats in the national senate in May 1992; total current breakdown of seats - JP 27, UCR 14, others 5 Communists: some 70,000 members in various party organizations, including a small nucleus of activists :Argentina Government 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-15, G-19, G-24, G-77, GATT, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, LAES, LAIA, LORCS, MERCOSUR, OAS, PCA, RG, UN, UNAVEM, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIIMOG, UNTSO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Carlos 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 AA 34034); telephone [54] (1) 774- 7611 or 8811, 9911; Telex 18156 AMEMBAR Flag: three equal horizontal bands of light blue (top), white, and light blue; centered in the white band is a radiant yellow sun with a human face known as the Sun of May :Argentina Economy Overview: Argentina is rich in natural resources and has a highly literate population, an export-oriented agricultural sector, and a diversified industrial base. Nevertheless, following decades of mismanagement and statist policies, the economy has encountered major problems in recent years, leading to escalating inflation and a recession during 1988-90. Since 1978, Argentina's external debt has nearly doubled to $58 billion, creating severe debt servicing difficulties and hurting the country's creditworthiness with international lenders. Elected in 1989, President Menem has implemented a comprehensive economic restructuring program that shows signs of reversing Argentina's economic decline and putting it on a path of stable, sustainable growth. GDP: exchange rate conversion - $101.2 billion, per capita $3,100; real growth rate 5.5% (1991 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 83.8% (1991) Unemployment rate: 6.4% (October 1991) Budget: revenues $13.6 billion; expenditures $16.6 billion, including capital expenditures of $2.5 billion (1991) Exports: $12 billion (f.o.b., 1991) commodities: meat, wheat, corn, oilseed, hides, wool partners: US 12%, USSR, Italy, Brazil, Japan, Netherlands Imports: $8 billion (c.i.f., 1991) commodities: machinery and equipment, chemicals, metals, fuels and lubricants, agricultural products partners: US 22%, Brazil, FRG, Bolivia, Japan, Italy, Netherlands External debt: $61 billion (January 1992) Industrial production: growth rate 20% (1991 est.); accounts for 30% of GDP Electricity: 17,059,000 kW capacity; 47,357 million kWh produced, 1,450 kWh per capita (1991) 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 Illicit drugs: increasing use as a transshipment country for cocaine headed for the US and Europe Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $1.0 billion; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $4.4 billion; Communist countries (1970-89), $718 million Currency: peso (plural - pesos); 1 pesos = 100 centavos :Argentina Economy Exchange rates: pesos per US$1 - 0.99076 (Feburary 1992), 0.95355 (1991), 0.48759 (1990), 0.04233 (1989), 0.00088 (1988), 0.00021 (1987) Fiscal year: calendar year :Argentina Communications Railroads: 34,172 km total (includes 209 km electrified); includes a mixture of 1.435-meter standard gauge, 1.676-meter broad gauge, 1.000-meter narrow gauge, and 0.750-meter narrow gauge Highways: 208,350 km total; 47,550 km paved, 39,500 km gravel, 101,000 km improved earth, 20,300 km unimproved earth Inland waterways: 11,000 km navigable Pipelines: crude oil 4,090 km; petroleum products 2,900 km; natural gas 9,918 km Ports: Bahia Blanca, Buenos Aires, Necochea, Rio Gallegos, Rosario, Santa Fe Merchant marine: 98 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 1,235,385 GRT/1,952,307 DWT; includes 35 cargo, 6 refrigerated cargo, 6 container, 1 railcar carrier, 33 oil tanker, 4 chemical tanker, 3 liquefied gas, 10 bulk; in addition, 2 naval tankers and 1 military transport are sometimes used commercially Civil air: 56 major transport aircraft Airports: 1,702 total, 1,473 usable; 137 with permanent-surface runways; 1 with runways over 3,659 m; 31 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 326 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: extensive modern system; 2,650,000 telephones (12,000 public telephones); microwave widely used; broadcast stations - 171 AM, no FM, 231 TV, 13 shortwave; 2 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth stations; domestic satellite network has 40 earth stations :Argentina Defense Forces Branches: Argentine Army, Navy of the Argentine Republic, Argentine Air Force, National Gendarmerie, Argentine Naval Prefecture (Coast Guard only), National Aeronautical Police Force Manpower availability: males 15-49, 8,101,856; 6,568,885 fit for military service; 276,457 reach military age (20) annually Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $700 million, 1.5% of GDP (1991) :Armenia Geography Total area: 29,800 km2 Land area: 28,400 km2 Comparative area: slightly larger than Maryland Land boundaries: 1,254 km total; Azerbaijan (east) 566 km, Azerbaijan (south) 221 km, Georgia 164 km, Iran 35 km, Turkey 268 km Coastline: none - landlocked Maritime claims: none - landlocked Disputes: violent and longstanding dispute with Azerbaijan over ethnically Armenian exclave of Nagorno-Karabakh; some irredentism by Armenians living in southern Georgia; traditional demands on former Armenian lands in Turkey have greatly subsided Climate: continental, hot, and subject to drought Terrain: high Armenian Plateau with mountain; little forest land; fast flowing rivers; good soil in Aras River valley Natural resources: small deposits of gold, copper, molybdenum, zinc, alumina Land use: 10% arable land; NA% permanent crops; NA% meadows and pastures; NA% forest and woodland; NA% other; NA% irrigated Environment: pollution of Razdan and Aras Rivers; air pollution in Yerevan :Armenia People Population: 3,415,566 (July 1992), growth rate 0.8% (1992) Birth rate: 22 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 7 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: --7 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 35 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 68 years male, 74 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 2.7 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Armenian(s); adjective - Armenian Ethnic divisions: Armenian 93.3%, Russian 1.5%, Kurd 1.7%, other 3.5% Religions: Armenian Orthodox 94% Languages: Armenian 93%, Russian 2%, other 5% Literacy: NA% (male NA%, female NA%) age 15 and over can read and write (NA) Labor force: 1,630,000; industry and construction 42%, agriculture and forestry 18%, other 40%(1990) Organized labor: NA :Armenia Government Long-form name: Republic of Armenia Type: republic Capital: Yerevan Administrative divisions: none - all rayons are under direct republic jurisdiction Independence: Armenian Republic formed 29 November 1920 and became part of the Soviet Union on 30 December 1922; on 23 September 1991, Armenia renamed itself the Republic of Armenia Constitution: adopted NA April 1978, effective NA Legal system: based on civil law system National holiday: NA Executive branch: President, Council of Ministers, prime minister Legislative branch: unicameral body - Supreme Soviet Judicial branch: Supreme Court Leaders: Chief of State: President Levon Akopovich TER-PETROSYAN (since 16 October 1991), Vice President Gagik ARUTYUNYAN (since 16 October 1991) Head of Government: Prime Minister Gagik ARUTYUNYAN (since November 1991), First Deputy Prime Minister Grant BAGRATYAN (since NA September 1990); Supreme Soviet Chairman - Babken ARARKTSYAN Political parties and leaders: Armenian National Movement, Husik LAZARYAN, chairman; National Self-Determination Association, Pakvyr HAYRIKIAN, chairman; National Democratic Union, Vazgen MANUKYAN, chairman; Democratic Liberal Party, Ramkavar AZATAKAN, chairman; Dashnatktsutyan Party, Rouben MIRZAKHANIN; Chairman of Parliamentary opposition - Mekhak GABRIYELYAN Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: President: last held 16 October 1990 (next to be held NA); results - elected by the Supreme Soviet, Levon Akopovich TER-PETROSYAN 86%; radical nationalists about 7% Supreme Soviet: last held 20 May 1990 (next to be held NA); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (259 total); number of seats by party NA Other political or pressure groups: NA Member of: CSCE, NACC, UN, UNCTAD Diplomatic representation: Charge d'Affaires ad interim, Aleksandr ARZOUMANIAN US: Ambassador (vacant); Steven R. MANN, Charge d'Affaires; Embassy at Hotel Hrazdan (telephone 8-011-7-8852-53-53-32); (mailing address is APO AE 09862); telephone 8-011-7-885-215-1122 (voice and FAX); 8-011-7-885-215-1144 (voice) :Armenia Government Flag: NA :Armenia Economy Overview: Armenia under the old centrally planned Soviet system had built up textile, machine-building, and other industries and had become a key supplier to sister republics. In turn, Armenia had depended on supplies of raw materials and energy from the other republics. Most of these supplies enter the republic by rail through Azerbaijan (85%) and Georgia (15%). The economy has been severely hurt by ethnic strife with Azerbaijan over control of the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast, a mostly Armenian-populated enclave within the national boundaries of Azerbaijan. In addition to outright warfare, the strife has included interdiction of Armenian imports on the Azerbaijani railroads and expensive airlifts of supplies to beleagured Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh. An earthquake in December 1988 destroyed about one-tenth of industrial capacity and housing, the repair of which has not been possible because the supply of funds and real resources has been disrupted by the reorganization and subsequent dismantling of the central USSR administrative apparatus. Among facilities made unserviceable by the earthquake are the Yerevan nuclear power plant, which had supplied 40% of Armenia's needs for electric power and a plant that produced one-quarter of the output of elevators in the former USSR. Armenia has some deposits of nonferrous metal ores (bauxite, copper, zinc, and molybdenum) that are largely unexploited. For the mid-term, Armenia's economic prospects seem particularly bleak because of ethnic strife and the unusually high dependence on outside areas, themselves in a chaotic state of transformation. GDP: $NA, per capita $NA; real growth rate --10% (1991) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 91% Unemployment rate: NA% Budget: revenues $NA; expenditures $NA, including capital expenditures of $NA Exports: $176 million (f.o.b., 1990) commodities: machinery and transport equipment, ferrous and nonferrous metals, and chemicals (1991) partners: NA Imports: $1.5 billion (c.i.f., 1990) commodities: machinery, energy, consumer goods (1991) partners: NA External debt: $650 million (December 1991 est.) Industrial production: growth rate --9.6% (1991) Electricity: NA kW capacity; 10,433 million kWh produced, about 3,000 kWh per capita (1990) Industries: diverse, including (in percent of output of former USSR) metalcutting machine tools (6.7%), forging-pressing machines (4.7%), electric motors (8.7%), tires (2.1%), knitted wear (5.6%), hosiery (2.3%), shoes (2.2%), silk fabric (5.3%), washing machines (2.0%); also chemicals, trucks, watches, instruments, and microelectronics :Armenia Economy Agriculture: only 10% of land area is arable; employs 18% of labor force; citrus, cotton, and dairy farming; vineyards near Yerevan are famous for brandy and other liqueurs Illicit drugs: illicit producer of cannabis mostly for domestic consumption; used as a transshipment point for illicit drugs to Western Europe Economic aid: NA Currency: as of May 1992, retaining ruble as currency Exchange rates: NA Fiscal year: calendar year :Armenia Communications Railroads: 840 km all 1.000-meter gauge (includes NA km electrified); does not include industrial lines (1990) Highways: 11,300 km total (1990); 10,500 km hard surfaced, 800 km earth Inland waterways: NA km perennially navigable Pipelines: NA Ports: none - landlocked Merchant marine: none: landlocked Civil air: none Airports: NA total, NA usable; NA with permanent-surface runways; NA with runways over 3,659 m; NA with runways 2,440-3,659 m; NA with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: Armenia has about 260,000 telephones, of which about 110,000 are in Yerevan; average telephone density is 8 per 100 persons; international connections to other former republics of the USSR are by landline or microwave and to other countries by satellite and by leased connection through the Moscow international gateway switch; broadcast stations - 100% of population receives Armenian and Russian TV programs; satellite earth station - INTELSAT :Armenia Defense Forces Branches: Republic Security Forces (internal and border troops), National Guard; CIS Forces (Ground and Air Defense) Manpower availability: males 15-49, NA; NA fit for military service; NA reach military age (18) annually Defense expenditures: $NA, NA% of GDP :Aruba 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 Disputes: none Climate: tropical marine; little seasonal temperature variation Terrain: flat with a few hills; scant vegetation Natural resources: negligible; white sandy beaches Land use: arable land 0%; permanent crops 0%; meadows and pastures 0%; forest and woodland 0%; other 100% Environment: lies outside the Caribbean hurricane belt Note: 28 km north of Venezuela :Aruba People Population: 64,692 (July 1992), growth rate 0.7% (1992) Birth rate: 16 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 6 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: --3 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 9 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 73 years male, 80 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 1.8 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Aruban(s); adjective - Aruban Ethnic divisions: mixed European/Caribbean Indian 80% Religions: Roman Catholic 82%, Protestant 8%, also small Hindu, Muslim, Confucian, and Jewish minority Languages: 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) :Aruba 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), Benny NISBET; Aruban Democratic Party (PDA), Leo BERLINSKI; Democratic Action '86 (AD '86), Arturo ODUBER; Organization for Aruban Liberty (OHA), Glenbert CROES; 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 NA 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 :Aruba Economy Overview: Tourism is the mainstay of the economy, although offshore banking and oil refining and storage are also important. Hotel capacity expanded rapidly between 1985 and 1989 and nearly doubled in 1990 alone. Unemployment has steadily declined from about 20% in 1986 to about 3% in 1991. The reopening of the local oil refinery, once a major source of employment and foreign exchange earnings, promises to give the economy an additional boost. GDP: exchange rate conversion - $854 million, per capita $13,600; real growth rate l0% (1990 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 8% (1990 est.) Unemployment rate: 3% (1991 est.) Budget: revenues $145 million; expenditures $185 million, including capital expenditures of $42 million (1988) Exports: $134.4 million (f.o.b., 1990) commodities: mostly petroleum products partners: US 64%, EC Imports: $488 million (f.o.b., 1990) 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 (1980-89), $220 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 :Aruba Communications Highways: Aruba has a system of all-weather highways Ports: Oranjestad, Sint Nicolaas Civil air: Air Aruba has a fleet of 3 intermediate-range Boeing aircraft Airports: government-owned airport east of Oranjestad accepts transatlantic flights Telecommunications: generally adequate; extensive interisland radio relay links; 72,168 telephones; broadcast stations - 4 AM, 4 FM, 1 TV; 1 sea cable to Sint Maarten :Aruba Defense Forces Note: defense is the responsibility of the Netherlands :Ashmore and Cartier Islands 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 Disputes: none Climate: tropical Terrain: low with sand and coral Natural resources: fish Land use: arable land 0%; permanent crops 0%; meadows and pastures 0%; forest and woodland 0%; other - 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 :Ashmore and Cartier Islands People Population: no permanent inhabitants; seasonal caretakers :Ashmore and Cartier Islands Government Long-form name: Territory of Ashmore and Cartier Islands Type: territory of Australia administered by the Australian Minister for Arts, Sports, the Environment, Tourism, and Territories - Roslyn KELLY Capital: none; administered from Canberra, Australia Administrative divisions: none (territory of Australia) Legal system: relevant laws of the Northern Territory of Australia Diplomatic representation: none (territory of Australia) :Ashmore and Cartier Islands Economy Overview: no economic activity :Ashmore and Cartier Islands Communications Ports: none; offshore anchorage only :Ashmore and Cartier Islands Defense Forces Note: defense is the responsibility of Australia; periodic visits by the Royal Australian Navy and Royal Australian Air Force :Atlantic Ocean Geography Total area: 82,217,000 km2 Land 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 Disputes: some maritime disputes (see littoral states) Climate: tropical cyclones (hurricanes) develop off the coast of Africa near Cape Verde and move westward into the Caribbean Sea; hurricanes can occur from May to December, but are most frequent from August to November Terrain: surface usually covered with sea ice in Labrador Sea, Denmark Strait, and Baltic Sea from October to June; clockwise warm water gyre (broad, circular system of currents) in the north Atlantic, counterclockwise warm water gyre in the south Atlantic; the ocean floor is dominated by the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, a rugged north-south centerline for the entire Atlantic basin; maximum depth is 8,605 meters in the Puerto Rico Trench Natural resources: oil and gas fields, fish, marine mammals (seals and whales), sand and gravel aggregates, placer deposits, polymetallic nodules, precious stones Environment: endangered marine species include the manatee, seals, sea lions, turtles, and whales; municipal sludge pollution off eastern US, southern Brazil, and eastern Argentina; oil pollution in Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, Lake Maracaibo, Mediterranean Sea, and North Sea; industrial waste and municipal sewage pollution in Baltic Sea, North Sea, and Mediterranean Sea; icebergs common in Davis Strait, Denmark Strait, and the northwestern Atlantic from February to August and have been spotted as far south as Bermuda and the Madeira Islands; icebergs from Antarctica occur in the extreme southern Atlantic Note: ships subject to superstructure icing in extreme north Atlantic from October to May and extreme south Atlantic from May to October; persistent fog can be a hazard to shipping from May to September; major choke points include the Dardanelles, Strait of Gibraltar, access to the Panama and Suez Canals; strategic straits include the Dover Strait, Straits of Florida, Mona Passage, The Sound (Oresund), and Windward Passage; north Atlantic shipping lanes subject to icebergs from February to August; the Equator divides the Atlantic Ocean into the North Atlantic Ocean and South Atlantic Ocean Kiel Canal and Saint Lawrence Seaway are two important waterways :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). :Atlantic Ocean Communications Ports: Alexandria (Egypt), Algiers (Algeria), Antwerp (Belgium), Barcelona (Spain), Buenos Aires (Argentina), Casablanca (Morocco), Colon (Panama), Copenhagen (Denmark), Dakar (Senegal), Gdansk (Poland), Hamburg (Germany), Helsinki (Finland), Las Palmas (Canary Islands, Spain), Le Havre (France), Lisbon (Portugal), London (UK), Marseille (France), Montevideo (Uruguay), Montreal (Canada), Naples (Italy), New Orleans (US), New York (US), Oran (Algeria), Oslo (Norway), Piraeus (Greece), Rio de Janeiro (Brazil), Rotterdam (Netherlands), Saint Petersburg (formerly Leningrad; Russia), Stockholm (Sweden) Telecommunications: numerous submarine cables with most between continental Europe and the UK, North America and the UK, and in the Mediterranean; numerous direct links across Atlantic via INTELSAT satellite network :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: 12 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 :Australia People Population: 17,576,354 (July 1992), growth rate 1.4% (1992) Birth rate: 15 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 7 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 7 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 8 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 74 years male, 80 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 1.8 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Australian(s); adjective - Australian Ethnic divisions: Caucasian 95%, Asian 4%, Aboriginal and other 1% Religions: Anglican 26.1%, Roman Catholic 26.0%, other Christian 24.3% Languages: English, native languages Literacy: 100% (male 100%, female 100%) age 15 and over can read and write (1980 est.) Labor force: 8,630,000 (September 1991); 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: 40% of labor force (November 1991) :Australia 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 Independence: 1 January 1901 (federation of UK colonies) Constitution: 9 July 1900, effective 1 January 1901 Dependent areas: Ashmore and Cartier Islands, Christmas Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Coral Sea Islands, Heard Island and McDonald Islands, Norfolk Island Legal system: based on English common law; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations National holiday: Australia Day, 26 January 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 16 February 1989) Head of Government: Prime Minister Paul John KEATING (since 20 December 1991); Deputy Prime Minister Brian HOWE (since 4 June 1991) Political parties and leaders: government: Australian Labor Party, Paul John KEATING opposition: Liberal Party, John HEWSON; National Party, Timothy FISCHER; Australian Democratic Party, John COULTER Suffrage: universal and compulsory at age 18 Elections: House of Representatives: last held 24 March 1990 (next to be held by NA 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 Senate: last held 11 July 1987 (next to be held by NA 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 Communists: 4,000 members (est.) :Australia Government 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, Australia Group, BIS, C, CCC, COCOM, CP, EBRD, ESCAP, FAO, GATT, G-8, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, LORCS, MTCR, NAM (guest), NEA, NSG, OECD, PCA, SPC, SPF, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNHCR, UNIIMOG, UNTAG, UNTSO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC 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 AP 96549); telephone [61] (6) 270-5000; FAX [61] (6) 270-5970; 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 :Australia Economy Overview: Australia has a prosperous Western-style capitalist economy, with a per capita GDP comparable to levels in industrialized West European countries. Rich in natural resources, Australia is a major exporter of agricultural products, minerals, metals, and fossil fuels. Of the top 25 exports, 21 are primary products, so that, as happened during 1983-84, a downturn in world commodity prices can have a big impact on the economy. The government is pushing for increased exports of manufactured goods, but competition in international markets continues to be severe. GDP: purchasing power equivalent - $280.8 billion, per capita $16,200; real growth rate --0.6% (1991 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 3.3% (September 1991) Unemployment rate: 10.5% (November 1991) Budget: revenues $76.9 billion; expenditures $75.4 billion, including capital expenditures of NA (FY91) Exports: $41.7 billion (f.o.b., FY91) 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: $37.8 billion (f.o.b., FY91) commodities: manufactured raw materials, capital equipment, consumer goods partners: US 24%, Japan 19%, UK 6%, FRG 7%, NZ 4% (1990) External debt: $130.4 billion (June 1991) Industrial production: growth rate --0.9% (1991); accounts for 32% of GDP Electricity: 40,000,000 kW capacity; 155,000 million kWh produced, 8,960 kWh per capita (1991) 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 Illicit drugs: Tasmania is one of the world's major suppliers of licit opiate products; government maintains strict controls over areas of opium poppy cultivation and output of poppy straw concentrate Economic aid: donor - ODA and OOF commitments (1970-89), $10.4 billion Currency: Australian dollar (plural - dollars); 1 Australian dollar ($A) = 100 cents Exchange rates: Australian dollars ($A) per US$1 - 1.3360 (January 1992), 1.2836 (1991), 1.2618 (1989), 1.2752 (1988), 1.4267 (1987) :Australia Economy Fiscal year: 1 July - 30 June :Australia Communications Railroads: 40,478 km total; 7,970 km 1.600-meter gauge, 16,201 km 1.435-meter standard gauge, 16,307 km 1.067-meter gauge; 183 km dual gauge; 1,130 km electrified; government owned (except for a few hundred kilometers of privately owned track) (1985) Highways: 837,872 km total; 243,750 km paved, 228,396 km gravel, crushed stone, or stabilized soil surface, 365,726 km unimproved earth Inland waterways: 8,368 km; mainly by small, shallow-draft craft Pipelines: crude oil 2,500 km; petroleum products 500 km; natural gas 5,600 km Ports: Adelaide, Brisbane, Cairns, Darwin, Devonport, Fremantle, Geelong, Hobart, Launceston, Mackay, Melbourne, Sydney, Townsville Merchant marine: 85 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 2,324,803 GRT/3,504,385 DWT; includes 2 short-sea passenger, 8 cargo, 8 container, 11 roll-on/roll-off, 1 vehicle carrier, 17 petroleum tanker, 2 chemical tanker, 4 liquefied gas, 1 combination ore/oil, 30 bulk, 1 combination bulk Civil air: about 150 major transport aircraft Airports: 481 total, 440 usable; 237 with permanent-surface runways, 1 with runway over 3,659 m; 20 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 268 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: good international and domestic service; 8.7 million telephones; broadcast stations - 258 AM, 67 FM, 134 TV; submarine cables to New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, and Indonesia; domestic satellite service; satellite stations - 4 Indian Ocean INTELSAT, 6 Pacific Ocean INTELSAT earth stations :Australia Defense Forces Branches: Australian Army, Royal Australian Navy, Royal Australian Air Force Manpower availability: males 15-49, 4,769,005; 4,153,060 fit for military service; 138,117 reach military age (17) annually Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $7.5 billion, 2.4% of GDP (FY92 budget) :Austria Geography Total area: 83,850 km2 Land area: 82,730 km2 Comparative area: slightly smaller than Maine Land boundaries: 2,591 km total; Czechoslovakia 548 km, Germany 784 km, Hungary 366 km, Italy 430 km, Liechtenstein 37 km, Slovenia 262 km, Switzerland 164 km Coastline: none - landlocked Maritime claims: none - landlocked Disputes: none 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 :Austria People Population: 7,867,541 (July 1992), growth rate 0.7% (1992) Birth rate: 12 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 11 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 5 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 8 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 73 years male, 80 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 1.5 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Austrian(s); adjective - Austrian Ethnic divisions: German 99.4%, Croatian 0.3%, Slovene 0.2%, other 0.1% Religions: Roman Catholic 85%, Protestant 6%, other 9% Languages: German Literacy: 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) :Austria 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 Thomas KLESTIL (since 8 July 1992) Head of Government: Chancellor Franz VRANITZKY (since 16 June 1986); Vice Chancellor Erhard BUSEK (since 2 July 1991) Political parties and leaders: Social Democratic Party of Austria (SPO), Franz VRANITZKY, chairman; Austrian People's Party (OVP), Erhard BUSEK, chairman; Freedom Party of Austria (FPO), Jorg HAIDER, chairman; Communist Party (KPO), Walter SILBERMAYER, chairman; Green Alternative List (GAL), Johannes VOGGENHUBER, chairman Suffrage: universal at age 19; compulsory for presidential elections Elections: National Council: last held 7 October 1990 (next to be held October 1994); results - SPO 43%, OVP 32.1%, FPO 16.6%, GAL 4.5%, KPO 0.7%, other 0.32%; seats - (183 total) SPO 80, OVP 60, FPO 33, GAL 10 President: last held 24 May 1992 (next to be held 1996); results of Second Ballot - Thomas KLESTIL 57%, Rudolf STREICHER 43% Communists: membership 15,000 est.; activists 7,000-8,000 :Austria Government 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, Australia Group, BIS, CCC, CE, CERN, COCOM, CSCE, EBRD, ECE, EFTA, ESA, FAO, G-9, GATT, HG, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, LORCS, MTRC, NAM (guest), NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNDOF, UNFICYP, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIIMOG, UNTSO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Friedrich HOESS; Embassy at 3524 International Court NW, Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202) 895-6700; 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 AE 09108-0001); telephone [43] (1) 31-55-11; FAX [43] (1) 310-0682; there is a US Consulate General in Salzburg Flag: three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and red :Austria 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 German industrial firms, Austria occupies specialized niches in European industry and services (tourism, banking) and produces almost enough food to feed itself with only 8% of the labor force in agriculture. Improved export prospects resulting from German unification and the opening of Eastern Europe, boosted the economy during 1990 and to a lesser extent in 1991. GDP growth slowed from 4.9% in 1990 to 3% in 1991 - mainly due to the weaker world economy - and is expected to drop to around 2% in 1992. Inflation is forecasted at about 4%, while unemployment probably will increase moderately through 1992 before declining in 1993. Living standards are comparable with the large industrial countries of Western Europe. Problems for the l990s include an aging population, the high level of subsidies, and the struggle to keep welfare benefits within budget capabilities. Austria, which has applied for EC membership, was involved in EC and European Free Trade Association negotiations for a European Economic Area and will have to adapt its economy to achieve freer interchange of goods, services, capital, and labor within the EC. GDP: purchasing power equivalent - $164.1 billion, per capita $20,985; real growth rate 3% (1991) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 3.3% (1991, annual rate) Unemployment rate: 5.8% (1991) Budget: revenues $47.7 billion; expenditures $53.0 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA (1990) Exports: $40 billion (1991) commodities: machinery and equipment, iron and steel, lumber, textiles, paper products, chemicals partners: EC 65.8%, (Germany 39%), EFTA 9.1%, Eastern Europe/former USSR 9.0%, Japan 1.7%, US 2.8% Imports: $50.2 billion (1991) commodities: petroleum, foodstuffs, machinery and equipment, vehicles, chemicals, textiles and clothing, pharmaceuticals partners: EC 67.8% (Germany is 43.0%), EFTA 6.9%, Eastern Europe/former USSR 6.0%, Japan 4.8%, US 3.9% External debt: $11.8 billion (1990 est.) Industrial production: 2.0% (1991) Electricity: 17,600,000 kW capacity; 49,500 million kWh produced, 6,500 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: foods, iron and steel, machines, textiles, chemicals, electrical, paper and pulp, tourism, mining :Austria Economy 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 - 11.068 (January 1992), 11.676 (1991), 11.370 (1990), 13.231 (1989), 12.348 (1988), 12.643 (1987) Fiscal year: calendar year :Austria 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 km are the primary network (including 1,012 km of autobahn, 10,400 km of federal, and 23,200 km of provincial roads); of this number, 21,812 km are paved and 12,800 km are unpaved; in addition, there are 60,800 km of communal roads (mostly gravel, crushed stone, earth) Inland waterways: 446 km Pipelines: crude oil 554 km; natural gas 2,611 km; petroleum products 171 km Ports: Vienna, Linz (river ports) Merchant marine: 31 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 130,966 GRT/219,130 DWT; includes 26 cargo, 1 container, 4 bulk Civil air: 25 major transport aircraft Airports: 55 total, 55 usable; 20 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 6 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 4 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: highly developed and efficient; 4,014,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 6 AM, 21 (545 repeaters) FM, 47 (870 repeaters) TV; satellite ground stations for Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT, Indian Ocean INTELSAT, and EUTELSAT systems :Austria Defense Forces Branches: Army, Flying Division, Gendarmerie Manpower availability: males 15-49, 2,011,895; 1,693,244 fit for military service; 51,788 reach military age (19) annually Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $1.8 billion, 1% of GDP (1991) :Azerbaijan Geography Total area: 86,600 km2 Land area: 86,100 km2; includes the Nakhichevan' Autonomous Republic and the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast; region's autonomy was abolished by Azerbaijan Supreme Soviet on 26 November 1991 Comparative area: slightly larger than Maine Land boundaries: 2,013 km total; Armenia (west) 566 km, Armenia (southwest) 221 km, Georgia 322 km, Iran (south) 432 km, Iran (southwest) 179 km, Russia 284 km, Turkey 9 km Coastline: none - landlocked Maritime claims: NA Exclusive fishing zone: NA nm; Azerbaijani claims in Caspian Sea unknown; 10 nm fishing zone provided for in 1940 treaty regarding trade and navigation between Soviet Union and Iran Disputes: violent and longstanding dispute with Armenia over status of Nagorno-Karabakh, lesser dispute concerns Nakhichevan'; some Azeris desire absorption of and/or unification with the ethnically Azeri portion of Iran; minor irredentist disputes along Georgia border Climate: dry, semiarid steppe; subject to drought Terrain: large, flat Kura Lowland (much of it below sea level) with Great Caucasus Mountains to the north, Karabakh Upland in west; Baku lies on Aspheson Peninsula that juts into Caspian Sea Natural resources: petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, nonferrous metals, alumina Land use: NA% arable land; NA% permanent crops; NA% meadows and pastures; NA% forest and woodland; NA% other; includes 70% of cultivated land irrigated (1.2 million hectares) Environment: local scientists consider Apsheron Peninsula, including Baku and Sumgait, and the Caspian Sea to be "most ecologically devastated area in the world" because of severe air and water pollution Note: landlocked; major polluters are oil, gas, and chemical industries :Azerbaijan People Population: 7,450,787 (July 1992), growth rate 1.6% (1992) Birth rate: 26 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 7 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: --3 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 45 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 65 years male, 73 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 2.9 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Azerbaijani(s); adjective - Azerbaijani Ethnic divisions: Azeri 82.7%, Russian 5.6%, Armenian 5.6%, Daghestanis 3.2%, other 2.9%; note - Armenian share may be less than 5.6% because many Armenians have fled the ethnic violence since 1989 census Religions: Moslem 87%, Russian Orthodox 5.6%, Armenian Orthodox 5.6%, other 1.8% Languages: Azeri 82%, Russian 7%, Armenian 5%, other 6% Literacy: NA% (male NA%, female NA%) age 15 and over can read and write (1992 est.) Labor force: 2,789,000; agriculture and forestry 32%, industry and construction 26%, other 42% (1990) Organized labor: NA (1992) :Azerbaijan Government Long-form name: Azerbaijani Republic; short-form name: Azerbaijan Type: republic Capital: Baku (Baky) Administrative divisions: 1 autonomous republic (avtomnaya respublika), Nakhichevan' (administrative center at Nakhichevan'); note - all rayons except for the exclave of Nakhichevan' are under direct republic jurisdiction;1 autonomous oblast, Nagorno-Karabakh (officially abolished by Azerbaijani Supreme Soviet on 26 November 1991) has declared itself Nagorno-Karabakh Republic Independence: 28 May 1918; on 28 April 1920, Azerbaijan became the Soviet Socialist Republic of Azerbaijan; on 30 April 1992 it became the Azerbaijani Republic; independence declared 30 August 1991 Constitution: adopted NA April 1978 Legal system: based on civil law system National holiday: NA Executive branch: president, Council of Ministers Legislative branch: National Parliament (Milli Majlis) was formed on the basis of the National Council (Milli Shura) Judicial branch: Supreme Court Leaders: Chief of State: President-elect Ebulfez ELCIBEY (since 7 June 1992) Head of Government: Prime Minister Rahim GUSEYNOV (since 14 May 1992) Political parties and leaders: NA Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: National Parliament: last held NA September 1990 (next expected to be held late 1992); results - seats - (360 total) Communists 280, Democratic Bloc 45 (grouping of opposition parties), other 15, vacant 20; note - these figures are approximate President: held 8 September 1991 (next to be held 7 June 1992); results - Ebulfez ELCIBEY (6,390 unofficial) Other political or pressure groups: Self-proclaimed Armenian Nagorno-Karabakh Republic Member of: CIS, CSCE, IMF, OIC, UN, UNCTAD Diplomatic representation: NA US: Ambassador (vacant); Robert MILES, Charge d'Affaires; Embassy at Hotel Intourist (telephone 8-011-7-8922-91-79-56) plus 8 hours; (mailing address is APO New York is 09862); telephone NA :Azerbaijan Government Flag: three equal horizontal bands of blue (top), red, and green; a crescent and eight-pointed star in white are centered in red band :Azerbaijan Economy Overview: Azerbaijan is less developed industrially than either Armenia or Georgia, the other Transcaucasian states. It resembles the Central Asian states in its majority Muslim population, high structural unemployment, and low standard of living. The economy's most prominent products are cotton, oil, and gas. Production from the Caspian oil and gas field has been in decline for several years. With foreign assistance, the oil industry might generate the funds needed to spur industrial development. However, civil unrest, marked by armed conflict in the Nagorno-Karabakh region between Muslim Azeris and Christian Armenians, makes foreign investors wary. Azerbaijan accounts for 1.5% to 2% of the capital stock and output of the former Soviet Union. Although immediate economic prospects are not favorable because of civil strife, lack of economic reform, political disputes about new economic arrangements, and the skittishness of foreign investors, Azerbaijan's economic performance was the best of all former Soviet republics in 1991 largely because of its reliance on domestic resources for industrial output. GDP: $NA, per capita $NA; real growth rate --0.7% (1991) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 87% (1991) Unemployment rate: NA% Budget: revenues $NA; expenditures $NA, including capital expenditures of $NA (1992) Exports: $780 million (f.o.b., 1991) commodities: oil and gas, chemicals, oilfield equipment, textiles, cotton (1991) partners: mostly CIS countries Imports: $2.2 billion (c.i.f., 1990) commodities: machinery and parts, consumer durables, foodstuffs, textiles (1991) External debt: $1.3 billion (1991 est.) Industrial production: growth rate 3.8% (1991) Electricity: 6,025,000 kW capacity; 23,300 million kWh produced, 3,280 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: petroleum and natural gas, petroleum products, oilfield equipment; steel, iron ore, cement; chemicals and petrochemicals; textiles Agriculture: cotton, grain, rice, grapes, fruit, vegetables, tea, tobacco; cattle, pigs, sheep and goats Illicit drugs: illicit producer of cannabis and opium; mostly for domestic consumption; status of government eradication programs unknown; used as transshipment points for illicit drugs to Western Europe Economic aid: NA Currency: as of May 1992, retaining ruble as currency Exchange rates: NA Fiscal year: calendar year :Azerbaijan Communications Railroads: 2,090 km (includes NA km electrified); does not include industrial lines (1990) Highways: 36,700 km total (1990); 31,800 km hard surfaced; 4,900 km earth Inland waterways: NA km perennially navigable Pipelines: NA Ports: inland - Baku (Baky) Merchant marine: none - landlocked Civil air: none Airports: NA Telecommunications: quality of local telephone service is poor; connections to other former USSR republics by landline or microwave and to countries beyond the former USSR via the Moscow international gateway switch; Azeri and Russian TV broadcasts are received; Turkish and Iranian TV broadcasts are received from INTELSAT through a TV receive-only earth station :Azerbaijan Defense Forces Branches: Republic Security Forces (internal and border troops), National Guard; CIS Forces (Ground, Navy, Air, Air Defense) Manpower availability: males 15-49, NA; NA fit for military service; NA reach military age (18) annually Defense expenditures: $NA million, NA% of GDP :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 Disputes: none Climate: tropical marine; moderated by warm waters of Gulf Stream Terrain: long, flat coral formations with some low rounded hills Natural resources: salt, aragonite, timber Land use: arable land 1%; permanent crops 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 :The Bahamas People Population: 255,811 (July 1992), growth rate 1.4% (1992) Birth rate: 19 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 5 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 19 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 69 years male, 76 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 2.2 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun--Bahamian(s); adjective--Bahamian Ethnic divisions: black 85%, white 15% Religions: Baptist 32%, Anglican 20%, Roman Catholic 19%, Methodist 6%, Church of God 6%, other Protestant 12%, none or unknown 3%, other 2% (1980) Languages: 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: 127,400; government 30%, hotels and restaurants 25%, business services 10%, agriculture 5% (1989) Organized labor: 25% of labor force :The Bahamas 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: National 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 Clifford DARLING (since 2 January 1992) 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 NA June 1992); results--percent of vote by party NA; seats--(49 total) PLP 32, FNM 17 *** No entry for this item *** 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 2220 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202) 319-2660; there are Bahamian Consulates General in Miami and New York; :The Bahamas Government 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; FAX (809) 328-7838 Diplomatic representation: *** No entry for this item *** Flag: three equal horizontal bands of aquamarine (top), gold, and aquamarine with a black equilateral triangle based on the hoist side :The Bahamas Economy Overview: The Bahamas is a stable, middle-income developing nation whose economy is based primarily on tourism and offshore banking. Tourism alone provides about 50% of GDP and directly or indirectly employs about 50,000 people or 40% of the local work force. The economy has slackened in recent years, as the annual increase in the number of tourists slowed. Nonetheless, the per capita GDP of $9,900 is one of the highest in the region. GDP: purchasing power equivalent--$2.5 billion, per capita $9,900; real growth rate 1.0% (1990 est.) *** No entry for this item *** Inflation rate (consumer prices): 7.3% (1991 est.) Unemployment rate: 16.0% (1991) Budget: revenues $627.5 million; expenditures $727.5 million, including capital expenditures of $100 million (1992, projected) *** No entry for this item *** Exports: $306 million (f.o.b., 1991 est.); commodities: pharmaceuticals, cement, rum, crawfish; partners: US 41%, Norway 30%, Denmark 4% Imports: $1.14 billion (c.i.f., 1991 est.); commodities: foodstuffs, manufactured goods, mineral fuels; partners: US 35%, Nigeria 21%, Japan 13%, Angola 11% External debt: $1.2 billion (December 1990) Industrial production: growth rate 3% (1990); accounts for 15% of GDP Electricity: 368,000 kw capacity; 857 million kWh produced 3,339 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: tourism, banking, cement, oil refining and transshipment, salt production, rum, aragonite, pharmaceuticals, spiral welded steel pipe *** No entry for this item *** Agriculture: accounts for less than 5% of GDP; dominated by small-scale producers; principal products--citrus fruit, vegetables, poultry; large net importer of food *** No entry for this item *** Illicit drugs: transshipment point for cocaine Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY85-89), $1.0 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $345 million Currency: Bahamian dollar (plural--dollars); 1 Bahamian dollar (B$) = 100 cents Exchange rates: Bahamian dollar (B$) per US$1--1.00 (fixed rate) Fiscal year: calendar year :The Bahamas Communications Highways: 2,400 km total; 1,350 km paved, 1,050 km gravel Ports: Freeport, Nassau Merchant marine: 778 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 18,129,173 GRT/30,002,421 DWT; includes 48 passenger, 19 short-sea passenger, 152 cargo, 37 roll-on/roll-off cargo, 42 container, 6 vehicle carrier, 1 railcar carrier, 172 petroleum tanker, 9 liquefied gas, 16 combination ore/oil, 47 chemical tanker, 1 specialized tanker, 143 bulk, 7 combination bulk, 78 refrigerated cargo; note--a flag of convenience registry *** No entry for this item *** Civil air: 11 major transport aircraft Airports: 59 total, 54 usable; 30 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 3 with runways 2,440-3, 659 m; 26 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; broadcast stations--3 AM, 2 FM, 1 TV; 3 coaxial submarine cables; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station *** No entry for this item *** :The Bahamas Defense Forces Branches: Royal Bahamas Defense Force (Coast Guard only), Royal Bahamas Police Branches: Force Manpower availability: males 15-49, 68,020; NA fit for military service Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion--$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; maritime boundary with Qatar Climate: arid; mild, pleasant winters; very hot, humid summers Terrain: mostly low desert plain rising gently to low central escarpment Natural resources: oil, associated and nonassociated natural gas, fish Land use: arable land 2%; permanent crops 2%; meadows and pastures 6%; forest and woodland 0%; other 90%, 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 :Bahrain People Population: 551,513 (July 1992), growth rate 3.1% (1992) Birth rate: 27 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 4 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 7 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 21 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 70 years male, 75 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 4.0 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Bahraini(s); adjective - Bahraini Ethnic divisions: Bahraini 63%, Asian 13%, other Arab 10%, Iranian 8%, other 6% Religions: Muslim (Shi`a 70%, Sunni 30%) Languages: 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 :Bahrain Government Long-form name: State of Bahrain Type: traditional monarchy Capital: Manama Administrative divisions: 12 districts (manatiq, singular - mintaqah); Al Hadd, Al Manamah, Al Mintaqah al Gharbiyah, Al Mintaqah al Wusta, Al Mintaqah ash Shamaliyah, Al Muharraq, Ar Rifa`wa al Mintaqah al Janubiyah, Jidd Hafs, Madinat Hamad, Madinat `Isa, Mintaqat Juzur Hawar, Sitrah Independence: 15 August 1971 (from UK) Constitution: 26 May 1973, effective 6 December 1973 Legal system: based on Islamic law and English common law National holiday: Independence Day, 16 December 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 leaders: political parties prohibited; several small, clandestine leftist and Islamic fundamentalist groups are active Suffrage: none Elections: none 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 `Abd al-Rahman Faris Al KHALIFA; 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 Road No. 3119 (next to Alahli Sports Club), Zinj; (mailing address is P. O. 26431, Manama, or FPO AE 09834-6210); telephone [973] 273-300; FAX (973) 272-594 Flag: red with a white serrated band (eight white points) on the hoist side :Bahrain Economy Overview: Petroleum production and processing account for about 80% of export receipts, 60% of government revenues, and 31% of GDP. Economic conditions have fluctuated with the changing fortunes of oil since 1985, for example, 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. A large share of exports is petroleum products made from imported crude. GDP: exchange rate conversion - $4.0 billion, per capita $7,500 (1990); real growth rate 6.7% (1988) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 1.5% (1989) Unemployment rate: 8-10% (1989) Budget: revenues $1.2 billion; expenditures $1.32 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA (1989) Exports: $3.7 billion (f.o.b., 1990 est.) commodities: petroleum and petroleum products 80%, aluminum 7%, other 13% partners: UAE 18%, Japan 12%, India 11%, US 6% Imports: $3.7 billion (f.o.b., 1989) commodities: nonoil 59%, crude oil 41% partners: Saudi Arabia 41%, US 23%, Japan 8%, UK 8% External debt: $1.1 billion (December 1989 est.) Industrial production: growth rate 3.8% (1988); accounts for 44% of GDP Electricity: 3,600,000 kW capacity; 10,500 million kWh produced, 21,000 kWh per capita (1991) 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 (1970-89), $45 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 :Bahrain Communications Highways: 200 km bituminous surfaced, including 25 km bridge-causeway to Saudi Arabia opened in November 1986; NA km natural surface tracks Pipelines: crude oil 56 km; petroleum products 16 km; natural gas 32 km Ports: Mina' Salman, Manama, Sitrah Merchant marine: 9 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 186,367 GRT/249,441 DWT; includes 5 cargo, 2 container, 1 liquefied gas, 1 bulk Civil air: 27 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; good domestic services; 98,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 2 AM, 3 FM, 2 TV; satellite earth stations - 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT, 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT, 1 ARABSAT; tropospheric scatter to Qatar, UAE, and microwave to Saudi Arabia; submarine cable to Qatar, UAE, and Saudi Arabia :Bahrain Defense Forces Branches: Army, Navy, Air Force, Air Defense, Police Force Manpower availability: males 15-49, 190,937; 105,857 fit for military service Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $194 million, 6% of GDP (1990) :Baker Island 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 Disputes: none Climate: equatorial; scant rainfall, constant wind, burning sun Terrain: low, nearly level coral island surrounded by a narrow fringing reef Natural resources: guano (deposits worked until 1891) Land use: arable land 0%; permanent crops 0%; meadows and pastures 0%; forest and woodland 0%; other 100% 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 :Baker Island People Population: uninhabited; 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 :Baker Island 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 Capital: none; administered from Washington, DC :Baker Island Economy Overview: no economic activity :Baker Island Communications Ports: none; offshore anchorage only, one boat landing area along the middle of the west coast Airports: 1 abandoned World War II runway of 1,665 m Telecommunications: there is a day beacon near the middle of the west coast :Baker Island 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 :Bangladesh People Population: 119,411,711 (July 1992), growth rate 2.4% (1992) Birth rate: 36 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 12 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 112 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 55 years male, 54 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 4.6 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Bangladeshi(s); adjective - Bangladesh Ethnic divisions: Bengali 98%, Biharis 250,000, and tribals less than 1 million Religions: Muslim 83%, Hindu 16%, Buddhist, Christian, and other less than 1% Languages: 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.) :Bangladesh 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 (BNP), Khaleda ZIAUR Rahman; Awami League (AL), Sheikh Hasina WAZED; Jatiyo Party (JP), Hussain Mohammad ERSHAD; Jamaat-E-Islami (JI), Ali KHAN; Bangladesh Communist Party (BCP), 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 (NDP), 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: National Parliament: last held 27 February 1991 (next to be held NA February 1996); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (330 total, 300 elected and 30 seats reserved for women) BNP 168, AL 93, JP 35, JI 20, CBP 5, National Awami Party (Muzaffar) 1, Workers Party 1, SIRAJ 1, Ganotantri Party 1, Islami Oikya Jote 1, NDP 1, independents 3 President: last held 8 October 1991 (next to be held by NA October 1996); results - Abdur Rahman BISWAS received 52.1% of parliamentary vote :Bangladesh Government 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, IOM, ISO, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OIC, SAARC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIIMOG, UPU, WHO, WFTU, WIPO, WCL, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Abul AHSAN; 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; FAX [880] (2) 883648 Flag: green with a large red disk slightly to the hoist side of center; green is the traditional color of Islam :Bangladesh Economy Overview: Bangladesh is one of the 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, and rice. 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 6.2%, and FY91 saw further, though smaller, increases in output. Alleviation of poverty remains the cornerstone of the government's development strategy. GDP: exchange rate conversion - $23.1 billion, per capita $200; real growth rate 3.2% (FY91) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 8.9% (FY91 est.) Unemployment rate: 30%, including underemployment (FY90 est.) Budget: revenues $2.24 billion; expenditures $3.7 billion (FY91) Exports: $1.7 billion (FY91 est.) commodities: garments, jute and jute goods, leather, shrimp partners: US 32%, Italy 8.1%, UK 6.2% (FY90) Imports: $3.5 billion (FY91 est.) commodities: capital goods, petroleum, food, textiles partners: Japan 9.2%, India 6.2%, Singapore 5.9%, US 5.7% External debt: $11.1 billion (FY91 est.) Industrial production: growth rate 1% (FY91 est.); accounts for 10% of GDP Electricity: 1,990,000 kW capacity; 5,700 million kWh produced, 50 kWh per capita (1990) Industries: jute manufacturing, cotton textiles, food processing, steel, fertilizer Agriculture: accounts for about 40% of GDP, 70% 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 (1980-89), $11.65 million; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $6.52 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $1.5 billion Currency: taka (plural - taka); 1 taka (Tk) = 100 paise Exchange rates: taka (Tk) per US$1 - 38.800 (January 1992), 36.596 (1991), 34.569 (1990), 32.270 (1989), 31.733 (1988), 30.950 (1987) Fiscal year: 1 July - 30 June :Bangladesh Communications Railroads: 2,892 km total (1986); 1,914 km 1.000 meter gauge, 978 km 1.676 meter broad gauge Highways: 7,240 km total (1985); 3,840 km paved, 3,400 km unpaved Inland waterways: 5,150-8,046 km navigable waterways (includes 2,575-3,058 km main cargo routes) Pipelines: natural gas 1,220 km Ports: Chittagong, Chalna Merchant marine: 44 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 328,382 GRT/479,985 DWT; includes 36 cargo, 2 petroleum tanker, 3 refrigerated cargo, 3 bulk 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; broadcast stations - 9 AM, 6 FM, 11 TV; 2 Indian Ocean INTELSAT satellite earth stations :Bangladesh Defense Forces Branches: Army, Navy, Air Force; paramilitary forces - Bangladesh Rifles, Bangladesh Ansars, Armed Police Reserve, Coastal Police Manpower availability: males 15-49, 29,891,224; 17,745,343 fit for military service Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $339 million, 1.5% of GDP (FY92 budget) :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 Disputes: none 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 :Barbados People Population: 254,934 (July 1992), growth rate 0.1% (1992) Birth rate: 16 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 9 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: --6 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 22 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 70 years male, 76 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 1.8 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Barbadian(s); adjective - Barbadian Ethnic divisions: African 80%, mixed 16%, European 4% Religions: Protestant 67% (Anglican 40%, Pentecostal 8%, Methodist 7%, other 12%), Roman Catholic 4%; none 17%, unknown 3%, other 9% (1980) Languages: English Literacy: 99% (male 99%, female 99%) age 15 and over having ever attended school (1970) Labor force: 120,900 (1991); 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 :Barbados 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 Dame Nita BARROW (since 6 June 1990) 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 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 Dr. Rudi WEBSTER; 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, Box B, FPO AA 34054); telephone (809) 436-4950 through 4957; FAX (809) 429-5246 :Barbados Government Flag: three equal vertical bands of blue (hoist side), yellow, and blue with the head of a black trident centered on the gold band; the trident head represents independence and a break with the past (the colonial coat of arms contained a complete trident) :Barbados Economy Overview: A per capita income of $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. The economy slowed in 1990-91, however, and Bridgetown's declining hard currency reserves and inability to finance its deficits have caused it to adopt an austere economic reform program. GDP: purchasing power equivalent - $1.7 billion, per capita $6,500; real growth rate--3.1% (1990) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 3.4% (1990) Unemployment rate: 18% (1991) Budget: revenues $514 million; expenditures $615 million (FY91-92) Exports: $210.6 million (f.o.b., 1990) commodities: sugar and molasses, chemicals, electrical components, clothing, rum, machinery and transport equipment partners: CARICOM 30%, US 20%, UK 20% Imports: $704 million (c.i.f., 1990) 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: $539.9 million (1990) Industrial production: growth rate--2.7% (1990); accounts for 14% of GDP Electricity: 152,100 kW capacity; 539 million kWh produced, 2,117 kWh per capita (1991) 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 (1970-89), $171 million Currency: Barbadian dollars (plural - dollars); 1 Barbadian dollar (Bds$) = 100 cents Exchange rates: Barbadian dollars (Bds$) per US$1 - 2.0113 (fixed rate) Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March :Barbados 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: no 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; broadcast stations - 3 AM, 2 FM, 2 (1 is pay) TV; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station :Barbados Defense Forces Branches: Royal Barbados Defense Force, Coast Guard, Royal Barbados Police Force Manpower availability: males 15-49, 69,678; 48,803 fit for military service, no conscription Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $10 million, 0.7% of GDP (1989) :Bassas da India Geography Total area: NA Land 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 :Bassas da India People Population: uninhabited :Bassas da India Government Long-form name: none Type: French possession administered by Commissioner of the Republic Jacques DEWATRE (since July 1991), resident in Reunion Capital: none; administered by France from Reunion :Bassas da India Economy Overview: no economic activity :Bassas da India Communications Ports: none; offshore anchorage only :Bassas da India Defense Forces Note: defense is the responsibility of France :Belarus Geography Total area: 207,600 km2 Land area: 207,600 km2 Comparative area: slightly smaller than Kansas Land boundaries: 3,098 km total; Latvia 141 km, Lithuania 502 km, Poland 605 km, Russia 959 km, Ukraine 891 km Coastline: none - landlocked Maritime claims: none - landlocked Disputes: none Climate: mild and moist; transitional between continental and maritime Terrain: generally flat and contains much marshland Natural resources: forest land and peat deposits Land use: arable land NA%; permanent crops NA%; meadows and pastures NA%; forest and woodland NA%; other NA%; includes irrigated NA% Environment: southern part of Belarus highly contaminated with fallout from 1986 nuclear reactor accident at Chernobyl' Note: landlocked :Belarus People Population: 10,373,881 (July 1992), growth rate 0.5% (1992) Birth rate: 15 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 11 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 1 migrant/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 20 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 66 years male, 76 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 2.1 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Belarusian(s); adjective - Belarusian Ethnic divisions: Byelorussian 77.9%, Russian 13.2%, Poles 4.1%, Ukrainian 2.9%, Jews 1.1%, other 0.8% Religions: Russian Orthodox NA%, unknown NA%, none NA%, other NA% Languages: Byelorussian NA%, Russian NA%, other NA% Literacy: NA% (male NA%, female NA%) age 15 and over can read and write Labor force: 5,418,000; industry and construction 42%, agriculture and forestry 20%, other 38% (1990) Organized labor: NA :Belarus Government Long-form name: Republic of Belarus Type: republic Capital: Mensk Administrative divisions: 6 oblasts (oblastey, singular - oblast'); Brest, Gomel', Grodno, Minsk, Mogilev, Vitebsk; note - all oblasts have the same name as their administrative center Independence: 1 January 1919 Belorussian Republic; 30 December 1922 joined with the USSR; 25 August 1991 redeclared independence Constitution: adopted April 1978 Legal system: based on civil law system National holiday: 24 August (1991) Executive branch: NA Legislative branch: unicameral with 360 seats Judicial branch: NA Leaders: Chief of State: Chairman of the Supreme Soviet Stanislav S. SHUSHKEVICH (since NA 1991) Head of Government: Prime Minister Vyacheslav F. KEBICH (since NA April 1990), First Deputy Prime Minister Mikhail MYASNIKOVICH (since early 1991) Political parties and leaders: Belarusian Popular Front, Zenon POZNYAK, chairman; United Democratic Party, Stanislav GUSAK, co-chairman; Social Democratic Gramada, Mikhail TKACHEV, chairman; Belarus Workers Union, Mikhail SOBOL, Chairman Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: President: NA Supreme Soviet: last held 4 March 1990 (next to be held NA); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (360 total) number of seats by party NA; note - 50 seats are for public bodies Communists: NA Other political or pressure groups: NA Member of: CE, CIS, CSCE, ECE, IAEA, ILO, INMARSAT, IOC, ITU, NACC, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Martynov; Chancery at NA NW, Washington, DC 200__; telephone NA US: Ambassador (vacant); David SWARTZ, Charge d'Affaires; Embassy at Hotel Belarus (telephone 8-011-7-0172-69-08-02) plus 7 hours; (mailing address is APO New York is 09862); telephone NA Flag: white, red, and white :Belarus Economy Overview: In many ways Belarus resembles the three Baltic states, for example, in its industrial competence, its higher-than-average standard of living, and its critical dependence on the other former Soviet states for fuels and raw materials. Belarus ranks fourth in gross output among the former Soviet republics, producing 4% of the total GDP and employing 4% of the labor force. Once a mainly agricultural area, it now supplies important producer and consumer goods - sometimes as the sole producer - to the other states. The soil in Belarus is not as fertile as the black earth of Ukraine, but by emphasizing favorable crops and livestock (especially pigs and chickens), Belarus has become a net exporter to the other republics of meat, milk, eggs, flour, and potatoes. Belarus produces only small amounts of oil and gas and receives most of its fuel from Russia through the Druzhba oil pipeline and the Northern Lights gas pipeline. These pipelines transit Belarus enroute to Eastern Europe. Belarus produces petrochemicals, plastics, synthetic fibers (nearly 30% of former Soviet output), and fertilizer (20% of former Soviet output). Raw material resources are limited to potash and peat deposits. The peat (more than one-third of the total for the former Soviet Union) is used in domestic heating as boiler fuel for electric power stations and in the production of chemicals. The potash supports fertilizer production. GDP: NA - $NA, per capita $NA; real growth rate --2% (1991) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 81% (1991) Unemployment rate: NA% Budget: revenues $NA million; expenditures $NA million, including capital expenditures of $NA million Exports: $4.3 billion (f.o.b., 1990) commodities: machinery and transport equipment, chemicals, foodstuffs partners: NA Imports: $5.6 billion (c.i.f., 1990) commodities: machinery, chemicals, textiles partners: NA External debt: $2.6 billion (end of 1991) Industrial production: growth rate --1.5% (1991) Electricity: 7,500,000 kW capacity; 38,700 million kWh produced, 3,770 kWh per capita (1991) :Belarus Economy Industries: employ about 27% of labor force and produce a wide variety of products essential to the other states; products include (in percent share of total output of former Soviet Union): tractors(12%); metal-cutting machine tools (11%); off-highway dump trucksup to 110-metric- ton load capacity (100%); wheel-type earthmovers for construction and mining (100%); eight- wheel-drive, high-flotation trucks with cargo capacity of 25 metric tons for use in tundra and roadless areas (100%); equipment for animal husbandry and livestock feeding (25%); motorcycles (21.3%); television sets (11%); chemical fibers (28%); fertilizer (18%); linen fabric (11%); wool fabric (7%); radios; refrigerators; and other consumer goods Agriculture: accounts for 5.7% of total agricultural output of former Soviet Union; employs 29% of the labor force; in 1988 produced the following (in percent of total Soviet production): grain (3.6%), potatoes (12.2%), vegetables (3.0%), meat (6.0%), milk (7.0%); net exporter of meat, milk, eggs, flour, and potatoes Illicit drugs: illicit producer of opium mostly for the domestic market; transshipment point for illicit drugs to Western Europe Economic aid: NA Currency: as of May 1992, retaining ruble as currency Exchange rates: NA Fiscal year: calendar year :Belarus Communications Railroads: 5,570 km (includes NA km electrified); does not include industrial lines (1990) Highways: 98,200 km total (1990); 66,100 km hard surfaced, 32,100 km earth Inland waterways: NA km Pipelines: NA Ports: none - landlocked Merchant marine: none - landlocked Civil air: NA major transport aircraft Airports: NA Telecommunications: telephone network has 1.7 million lines, 15% of which are switched automatically; Minsk has 450,000 lines; telephone density is approximately 17 per 100 persons; as of 31 January 1990, 721,000 applications from households for telephones were still unsatisfied; international connections to other former Soviet republics are by landline or microwave and to other countries by leased connection through the Moscow international gateway switch :Belarus Defense Forces Branches: Republic Security Forces (internal and border troops); CIS Forces (Ground, Air, Air Defense, Strategic Rocket) Manpower availability: males 15-49, NA; NA fit for military service; NA reach military age (18) annually Defense expenditures: $NA, NA% of GDP :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 Disputes: none Climate: temperate; mild winters, cool summers; rainy, humid, cloudy Terrain: flat coastal plains in northwest, central rolling hills, rugged mountains of Ardennes Forest in southeast Natural resources: coal, natural gas Land use: arable land 24%; permanent crops 1%; meadows and pastures 20%; forest and woodland 21%; other 34%, 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 :Belgium People Population: 10,016,623 (July 1992), growth rate 0.3% (1992) Birth rate: 12 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 10 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 1 migrant/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 8 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 73 years male, 80 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 1.6 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Belgian(s); adjective - Belgian Ethnic divisions: Fleming 55%, Walloon 33%, mixed or other 12% Religions: Roman Catholic 75%, remainder Protestant or other Languages: Flemish (Dutch) 56%, French 32%, German 1%; legally bilingual 11%; divided along ethnic lines Literacy: 99% (male 99%, female 99%) age 15 and over can read and write (1980 est.) Labor force: 4,126,000; services 63.6%, industry 28%, construction 6.1%, agriculture 2.3% (1988) Organized labor: 70% of labor force :Belgium 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, three deputy prime ministers, Cabinet Legislative branch: bicameral Parliament consists of an upper chamber or Senate (Flemish - Senaat, French - Senat) and a lower chamber or Chamber of Representatives (Flemish - Kamer van Volksvertegenwoordigers, French - Chambre des Representants) Judicial branch: Supreme Court of Justice (Flemish - Hof van Cassatie, French - Cour de Cassation) Leaders: Chief of State: King BAUDOUIN I (since 17 July 1951); Heir Apparent Prince ALBERT of Liege (brother of the King; born 6 June 1934) Head of Government: Prime Minister Jean-Luc DEHAENE (since 6 March 1992) 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), NA; Flemish Liberal (PVV), Guy VERHOF STADT, 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, chairman; ROSSEM, Jean Pierre VAN ROSSEM; National Front (FN), Werner van STEEN; Live Differently (AGALEV), Leo COX; Ecologist (ECOLO), NA; other minor parties Suffrage: universal and compulsory at age 18 Elections: Chamber of Representatives: last held 24 November 1991 (next to be held by November 1996); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (212 total) number of seats by party NA Senate: last held 24 November 1991 (next to be held by November 1996); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (106 total) number of seats by party NA :Belgium Government 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, 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, MTCR, NACC, NATO, NEA, OAS (observer), OECD, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMOGIP, UNRWA, UNTSO, UPU, WCL, WEU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC 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, Los Angeles, and New York US: Ambassador Bruce S. GELB; Embassy at 27 Boulevard du Regent, B-1000 Brussels (mailing address is APO AE 09724); telephone [32] (2) 513-3830; FAX [32] (2) 511-2725; 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 :Belgium Economy Overview: This small private enterprise economy has capitalized on its central geographic location, highly developed transport network, and diversified industrial and commercial base. Industry is concentrated mainly in the populous Flemish area in the north, although the government is encouraging reinvestment in the southern region of Walloon. With few natural resources Belgium must import essential raw materials, making its economy closely dependent on the state of world markets. Over 70% of trade is with other EC countries. During the period 1988-90, Belgium's economic performance was marked by 4% average growth, moderate inflation, and a substantial external surplus. Growth fell to 1.4% in 1991. GDP: purchasing power equivalent - $171.8 billion, per capita $17,300; real growth rate 1.4% (1991 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 3.2% (1991 est.) Unemployment rate: 9.4% est. (1991 est.) Budget: revenues $45.0 billion; expenditures $55.3 billion, including capital expenditures of NA (1989) Exports: $118 billion (f.o.b., 1990) Belgium-Luxembourg Economic Union commodities: iron and steel, transportation equipment, tractors, diamonds, petroleum products partners: EC 74%, US 5%, former Communist countries 2% (1989) Imports: $120 billion (c.i.f., 1990) Belgium-Luxembourg Economic Union commodities: fuels, grains, chemicals, foodstuffs partners: EC 73%, US 4%, oil-exporting less developed countries 4%, former Communist countries 3% (1989) External debt: $28.8 billion (1990 est.) Industrial production: growth rate 1.2% (1991 est.); accounts for almost 30% of GDP Electricity: 17,400,000 kW capacity; 67,100 million kWh produced, 6,767 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: engineering and metal products, processed food and beverages, chemicals, basic metals, textiles, glass, petroleum, coal Agriculture: accounts for 2.3% of GDP; emphasis on livestock production - beef, veal, pork, milk; major crops are sugar beets, fresh vegetables, fruits, grain, 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 - 32.462 (January 1992), 34.148 (1991), 33.418 (1990), 39.404 (1989), 36.768 (1988), 37.334 (1987) Fiscal year: calendar year :Belgium 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) Pipelines: petroleum products 1,167 km; crude oil 161 km; natural gas 3,300 km Ports: Antwerp, Brugge, Gent, Oostende, Zeebrugge Merchant marine: 23 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 62,979 GRT/88,738 DWT; includes 10 cargo, 4 petroleum tanker, 1 liquefied gas, 5 chemical tanker, 1 bulk, 2 refrigerated cargo 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: highly developed, technologically advanced, and completely automated domestic and international telephone and telegraph facilities; extensive cable network; limited radio relay network; 4,720,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 3 AM, 39 FM, 32 TV; 5 submarine cables; 2 satellite earth stations - Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT and EUTELSAT systems; nationwide mobile phone system :Belgium Defense Forces Branches: Army, Navy, Air Force, National Gendarmerie Manpower availability: males 15-49, 2,550,088; 2,133,483 fit for military service; 66,249 reach military age (19) annually Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $4.2 billion, 2.7% of GDP (1991) :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: 12 nm in the north and 3 nm in the south; note - from the mouth of the Sarstoon River to Ranguana Caye, Belize's territorial sea is 3 miles; according to Belize's Maritime Areas Act, 1992, the purpose of this limitation is to provide a framework for the negotiation of a definitive agreement on territorial differences with the Republic of Guatemala'' Disputes: claimed by Guatemala, but boundary negotiations to resolve the dispute have begun Climate: tropical; very hot and humid; rainy season (May to February) Terrain: flat, swampy coastal plain; low mountains in south Natural resources: arable land potential, timber, fish Land use: arable land 2%; permanent crops 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 :Belize People Population: 229,143 (July 1992), growth rate 3.0% (1992) Birth rate: 31 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 5 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 4 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 30 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 67 years male, 73 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 3.8 children born/woman (1992) 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% Religions: Roman Catholic 62%, Protestant 30% (Anglican 12%, Methodist 6%, Mennonite 4%, Seventh-Day Adventist 3%, Pentecostal 2%, Jehovah's Witnesses 1%, other 2%), none 2%, unknown 3%, other 3% (1980) Languages: 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 :Belize 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, UDP 13; note - in January 1990 one member expelled from UDP joined PUP, making the seat count PUP 16, UDP 12 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, ICO, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM (observer), ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAS, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WMO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador James V. HYDE; Chancery at 2535 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202) 332-9636 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] (2) 77161; FAX [501] (2) 30802 Flag: on a scroll at the bottom, all encircled by a green garland :Belize Government 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 RA FLOREO (I Flourish in the Shade) :Belize Economy Overview: The economy is based primarily on agriculture, agro-based industry, and merchandising, with tourism and construction assuming increasing importance. Agriculture accounts for about 30% of GDP and provides 75% of export earnings, while sugar, the chief crop, accounts for almost 40% of hard currency earnings. The US, Belize's main trading partner, is assisting in efforts to reduce dependency on sugar with an agricultural diversification program. GDP: exchange rate conversion - $373 million, per capita $1,635; real growth rate 10% (1990 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 3.5% (1990 est.) Unemployment rate: 12% (1988) Budget: revenues $126.8 million; expenditures $123.1 million, including capital expenditures of $44.8 million (FY91 est.) Exports: $134 million (f.o.b., 1991 est.) commodities: sugar, clothing, seafood, molasses, citrus, wood and wood products partners: US 47%, UK, Trinidad and Tobago, Canada (1987) Imports: $194 million (c.i.f., 1991 est.) commodities: machinery and transportation equipment, food, manufactured goods, fuels, chemicals, pharmaceuticals partners: US 56%, UK, Netherlands Antilles, Mexico (1991) External debt: $142 million (December 1991) Industrial production: growth rate 9.7% (1989); accounts for 16% of GDP Electricity: 34,532 kW capacity; 90 million kWh produced, 395 kWh per capita (1991) 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 about 50 metric tons in 1991; transshipment point for cocaine Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $104 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $215 million Currency: Belizean dollar (plural - dollars); 1 Belizean dollar (Bz$) = 100 cents Exchange rates: Belizean dollars (Bz$) per US$1 - 2.00 (fixed rate) Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March :Belize Communications Highways: 2,710 km total; 500 km paved, 1,600 km gravel, 300 km improved earth, and 310 km unimproved earth Inland waterways: 825 km river network used by shallow-draft craft; seasonally navigable Ports: Belize City; additional ports for shallow draught craft include Corozol, Punta Gorda, Big Creek Merchant marine: 2 cargo ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 3,127 GRT/5,885 DWT Civil air: 2 major transport aircraft Airports: 44 total, 34 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; broadcast stations - 6 AM, 5 FM, 1 TV, 1 shortwave; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station :Belize Defense Forces Branches: British Forces Belize, Belize Defense Force (including Army, Navy, Air Force, and Volunteer Guard) Manpower availability: males 15-49, 55,333; 33,040 fit for military service; 2,509 reach military age (18) annually Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $4.8 million, 1.8% of GDP (FY91) :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 Disputes: none Climate: tropical; hot, humid in south; semiarid in north Terrain: mostly flat to undulating plain; some hills and low mountains Natural resources: small offshore oil deposits, limestone, marble, timber Land use: arable land 12%; permanent crops 4%; meadows and pastures 4%; forest and woodland 35%; other 45%, 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 :Benin People Population: 4,997,599 (July 1992), growth rate 3.3% (1992) Birth rate: 49 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 15 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 115 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 49 years male, 53 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 6.9 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Beninese (singular and plural); adjective - Beninese Ethnic divisions: African 99% (42 ethnic groups, most important being Fon, Adja, Yoruba, Bariba); Europeans 5,500 Religions: indigenous beliefs 70%, Muslim 15%, Christian 15% Languages: French (official); Fon and Yoruba most common vernaculars in south; 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 :Benin Government Long-form name: Republic of Benin Type: republic under multiparty democratic rule; dropped Marxism-Leninism December 1989; democratic reforms adopted February 1990; transition to multiparty system completed 4 April 1991 Capital: Porto-Novo Administrative divisions: 6 provinces; Atakora, Atlantique, Borgou, Mono, Oueme, Zou Independence: 1 August 1960 (from France; 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: 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 TEVOEDJRE; National Rally for Democracy (RND), Joseph KEKE; Alliance of the National Movement for Democracy and Development (MNDD), Bertin BORNA; Movement for Solidarity, Union, and Progress (MSUP), Adebo ADENIYI; and Union for Democracy and National Reconstruction (UDRN), Azaria FAKOREDE; Union for Democracy and National Solidarity (UDS), Mama Amadou N'DIAYE; Assembly of Liberal Democrats for National Reconstruction (RDL), Severin ADJOVI; Alliance of the Alliance for Social Democracy (ASD), Robert DOSSOU, and Bloc for Social Democracy (BSD), Michel MAGNIDE; Alliance of the Alliance for Democracy and Progress (ADP), Akindes ADEKPEDJOU, 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: National Assembly: last held 10 and 24 March 1991; results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (64 total) UDFP-MDPS-ULD 12, PNDD/PRD 9, PSD/UNSP 8, NCC 7, RND 7, MNDD/MSUP/UDRN 6, UDS 5, RDL 4, ASD/BSD 3, ADP/UDRS 2, UNDP 1 President: last held 10 and 24 March 1991; results - Nicephore SOGLO 68%, Mathieu KEREKOU 32% Communists: Communist Party of Dahomey (PCD) remains active :Benin Government Member of: ACCT, ACP, AfDB, CEAO, ECA, ECOWAS, Entente, FAO, FZ, G-77, GATT, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU, OIC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WADB, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Candide AHOUANSOU; Chancery at 2737 Cathedral Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202) 232-6656 US: Ambassador Harriet W. ISOM; Embassy at Rue Caporal Anani Bernard, Cotonou (mailing address is B. P. 2012, Cotonou); telephone [229] 30-06-50, 30-05-13, 30-17-92; FAX [229] 30-14-39 and 30-19-74 Flag: two equal horizontal bands of yellow (top) and red with a vertical green band on the hoist side :Benin Economy Overview: Benin is one of the least developed countries in the world because of limited natural resources and a poorly developed infrastructure. Agriculture accounts for about 35% of GDP, employs about 60% of the labor force, and generates a major share of foreign exchange earnings. The industrial sector contributes only about 15% to GDP and employs 2% of the work force. Low prices in recent years have kept down hard currency earnings from Benin's major exports of agricultural products and crude oil. GDP: exchange rate conversion - $2.0 billion, per capita $410; real growth rate 3% (1991) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 3.0% (1990) Unemployment rate: NA% Budget: revenues $194 million; expenditures $390 million, including capital expenditures of $104 million (1990 est.) Exports: $263.3 million (f.o.b., 1990 est.) commodities: crude oil, cotton, palm products, cocoa partners: FRG 36%, France 16%, Spain 14%, Italy 8%, UK 4% Imports: $428 million (f.o.b., 1990 est.) commodities: foodstuffs, beverages, tobacco, petroleum products, intermediate goods, capital goods, light consumer goods partners: France 34%, Netherlands 10%, Japan 7%, Italy 6%, US 4% External debt: $1.0 billion (December 1990 est.) Industrial production: growth rate --0.7% (1988); accounts for 15% of GDP Electricity: 30,000 kW capacity; 25 million kWh produced, 5 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: textiles, cigarettes, construction materials, beverages, food production, petroleum Agriculture: 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 (1970-89), $1,300 million; 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 - 269.01 (January 1992), 282.11 (1991), 272.26 (1990), 319.01 (1989), 297.85 (1988), 300.54 (1987) Fiscal year: calendar year :Benin Communications Railroads: 578 km, all 1.000-meter gauge, single track Highways: 5,050 km total; 920 km paved, 2,600 laterite, 1,530 km improved earth Inland waterways: navigable along small sections, important only locally Ports: Cotonou Civil air: no major transport aircraft Airports: 6 total, 5 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; broadcast stations - 2 AM, 2 FM, 2 TV; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station :Benin Defense Forces Branches: Armed Forces (including Army, Navy, Air Force), National Gendarmerie Manpower availability: eligible 15-49, 2,165,515; of the 1,031,738 males 15-49, 528,366 are fit for military service; of the 1,133,777 females 15-49, 572,603 are fit for military service; about 55,697 males and 53,786 females reach military age (18) annually; both sexes are liable for military service Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $29 million, 1.7% of GDP (1988 est.) :Bermuda 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 :Bermuda People Population: 60,213 (July 1992), growth rate 0.8% (1992) Birth rate: 15 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 7 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: NEGL migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 13 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 73 years male, 77 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 1.8 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Bermudian(s); adjective - Bermudian Ethnic divisions: black 61%, white and other 39% Religions: Anglican 37%, Roman Catholic 14%, African Methodist Episcopal (Zion) 10%, Methodist 6%, Seventh-Day Adventist 5%, other 28% Languages: English Literacy: 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 :Bermuda 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 Lord David WADDINGTON Head of Government: Premier John William David SWAN (since 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 Other political or pressure groups: Bermuda Industrial Union (BIU), headed by Ottiwell SIMMONS Member of: CARICOM (observer), CCC, 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; PSC 1002, FPO AE 09727-1002); telephone (809) 295-1342; FAX (809) 295-1592 Flag: red with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and the Bermudian coat of arms (white and blue shield with a red lion holding a scrolled shield showing the sinking of the ship Sea Venture off Bermuda in 1609) centered on the outer half of the flag :Bermuda Economy Overview: Bermuda enjoys one of the highest per capita incomes in the world, having successfully exploited its location by providing luxury tourist facilities and financial services. The tourist industry attracts more than 90% of its business from North America. The industrial sector is small, and agriculture is severely limited by a lack of suitable land. About 80% of food needs are imported. GDP: purchasing power equivalent - $1.3 billion, per capita $22,400; real growth rate 2.0% (1989 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 5.8% (June 1989, annual rate) Unemployment rate: 2.0% (1988) Budget: revenues $361.6 million; expenditures $396.1 million, including capital expenditures of $74.1 million (FY91 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, 8,625 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: tourism, finance, structural concrete products, paints, pharmaceuticals, ship repairing Agriculture: accounts for less than 1% of GDP; most basic foods must be imported; produces bananas, vegetables, citrus fruits, flowers, dairy products Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-81), $34 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $277 million Currency: Bermudian dollar (plural - dollars); 1 Bermudian dollar (Bd$) = 100 cents Exchange rates: Bermudian dollar (Bd$) per US$1 - 1.0000 (fixed rate) Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March :Bermuda Communications Highways: 210 km public roads, all paved (about 400 km of private roads) Ports: Freeport, Hamilton, Saint George Merchant marine: 73 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 3,511,972 GRT/6,093,321 DWT; includes 4 cargo, 5 refrigerated cargo, 4 container, 7 roll-on/roll-off, 23 petroleum tanker, 12 liquefied gas, 18 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; broadcast stations - 5 AM, 3 FM, 2 TV; 3 submarine cables; 2 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth stations :Bermuda Defense Forces Branches: Bermuda Regiment, Bermuda Police Force, Bermuda Reserve Constabulary Note: defense is the responsibility of the UK :Bhutan Geography 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; China 470 km, India 605 km Coastline: none - landlocked Maritime claims: none - landlocked Disputes: none Climate: varies; tropical in southern plains; cool winters and hot summers in central valleys; severe winters and cool summers in Himalayas Terrain: mostly mountainous with some fertile valleys and savanna Natural resources: timber, hydropower, gypsum, calcium carbide, tourism potential Land use: arable land 2%; permanent crops 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 :Bhutan People Population: 1,660,167 (July 1992), growth rate 2.3% (1992) Birth rate: 40 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 17 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 126 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 50 years male, 49 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 5.5 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Bhutanese (singular and plural); adjective - Bhutanese Ethnic divisions: Bhote 60%, ethnic Nepalese 25%, indigenous or migrant tribes 15% Religions: Lamaistic Buddhism 75%, Indian- and Nepalese-influenced Hinduism 25% Languages: 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 :Bhutan 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 and leaders: 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 :Bhutan Economy Overview: The economy, one of the world's least developed, is based on agriculture and forestry, which provide the main livelihood for 90% of the population and account for about 50% of GDP. Rugged mountains dominate the terrain and make the building of roads and other infrastructure difficult and expensive. The economy is closely aligned with that of India through strong trade and monetary links. 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: exchange rate conversion - $320 million, per capita $200; real growth rate 3.1% (1991 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 12% (FY90) Unemployment rate: NA Budget: revenues $112 million; expenditures $121 million, including capital expenditures of $58 million (FY91 est.) Exports: $74 million (f.o.b., FY91) commodities: cardamon, gypsum, timber, handicrafts, cement, fruit partners: India 93% Imports: $106.4 million (c.i.f., FY91 est.) commodities: fuel and lubricants, grain, machinery and parts, vehicles, fabrics partners: India 67% External debt: $80 million (FY91 est.) Industrial production: growth rate NA; 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 (1970-89), $115 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 - 25.927 (January 1992), 22.742 (1991), 17.504 (1990), 16.226 (1989), 13.917 (1988), 12.962 (1987); note - the Bhutanese ngultrum is at par with the Indian rupee Fiscal year: 1 July - 30 June :Bhutan 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); broadcast stations - 1 AM, 1 FM, no TV (1990) :Bhutan Defense Forces Branches: Royal Bhutan Army, Palace Guard, Militia Manpower availability: males 15-49, 406,360; 217,348 fit for military service; 17,316 reach military age (18) annually Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $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; 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: rugged Andes Mountains with a highland plateau (Altiplano), hills, lowland plains of the Amazon basin 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 :Bolivia People Population: 7,323,048 (July 1992), growth rate 2.3% (1992) Birth rate: 33 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 9 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: --1 migrant/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 82 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 59 years male, 64 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 4.5 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Bolivian(s); adjective - Bolivian Ethnic divisions: Quechua 30%, Aymara 25%, mixed 25-30%, European 5-15% Religions: Roman Catholic 95%; active Protestant minority, especially Evangelical Methodist Languages: 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 :Bolivia 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, 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; Civic Solidarity Union (UCS), Max FERNANDEZ Rojas; Conscience of the Fatherland (CONDEPA), Carlos PALENQUE Aviles; Christian Democratic Party (PDC), Jorge AGREDO; Free Bolivia Movement (MBL), led by Antonio ARANIBAR; United Left (IU), a coalition of leftist parties that includes Patriotic National Convergency Axis (EJE-P) led by Walter DELGADILLO, and Bolivian Communist Party (PCB) led by Humberto RAMIREZ; Revolutionary Vanguard - 9th of April (VR-9), Carlos SERRATE Reich Suffrage: universal and compulsory at age 18 (married) or 21 (single) Elections: Chamber of Deputies: last held 7 May 1989 (next to be held May 1993); results - percent of vote by party NA; note - legislative and presidential candidates run on a unified slate, so vote percentages are the same as in section on presidential election results; seats - (130 total) MNR 40, ADN 35, MIR 33, IU 10, CONDEPA 9, PDC 3 Chamber of Senators: last held 7 May 1989 (next to be held May 1993); results - percent of vote by party NA; note - legislative and presidential candidates run on a unified slate, so vote percentages are the same as in section on presidential election results; seats - (27 total) MNR 9, ADN 7, MIR 8, CONDEPA 2, PDC 1 :Bolivia Government President: last held 7 May 1989 (next to be held 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 Member of: AG, ECLAC, FAO, G-11, G-77, 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 Los Angeles, Miami, New York, and San Francisco US: Ambassador Charles R. BOWERS; 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 AA 34032); telephone [591] (2) 350251 or 350120; FAX [591] (2) 359875 Flag: three equal horizontal bands of red (top), yellow, and green with the coat of arms centered on the yellow band; similar to the flag of Ghana, which has a large black five-pointed star centered in the yellow band :Bolivia Economy Overview: 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 then President Paz Estenssoro in 1985, however, succeeded in reducing inflation to between 10% and 20% annually since 1987, eventually restarting economic growth. Since August 1989, President Paz Zamora has retained the economic policies of the previous government, keeping inflation down and continuing moderate growth. Nevertheless, Bolivia continues to be one of the poorest countries in Latin America, with widespread poverty and unemployment, 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: exchange rate conversion - $4.6 billion, per capita $630; real growth rate 4% (1991) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 15% (1991) Unemployment rate: 7% (1991 est.) Budget: revenues $900 million; expenditures $825 million, including capital expenditures of $300 million (1991 est.) Exports: $970 million (f.o.b., 1991) commodities: metals 45%, natural gas 25%, other 30% (coffee, soybeans, sugar, cotton, timber) partners: US 15%, Argentina Imports: $760 million (c.i.f., 1991) commodities: food, petroleum, consumer goods, capital goods partners: US 22% External debt: $3.3 billion (December 1991) Industrial production: growth rate 6% (1991); accounts for almost 30% of GDP Electricity: 849,000 kW capacity; 1,798 million kWh produced, 251 kWh per capita (1991) 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 47,900 hectares under cultivation; voluntary and forced eradication program unable to prevent production from rising to 78,400 metric tons in 1991 from 74,700 tons in 1989; government considers all but 12,000 hectares illicit; intermediate coca products and cocaine exported to or through Colombia and Brazil to the US and other international drug markets :Bolivia Economy Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $990 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $2,025 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $340 million Currency: boliviano (plural - bolivianos); 1 boliviano ($B) = 100 centavos Exchange rates: bolivianos ($B) per US$1 - 3.7534 (January 1992), 3.5806 (1991), 3.1727 (1990), 2.6917 (1989), 2.3502 (1988), 2.0549 (1987) Fiscal year: calendar year :Bolivia Communications Railroads: 3,684 km total, all narrow gauge; 3,652 km 1.000-meter gauge and 32 km 0.760-meter gauge, all government owned, single track Highways: 38,836 km total; 1,300 km paved, 6,700 km gravel, 30,836 km improved and unimproved earth Inland waterways: 10,000 km of commercially navigable waterways Pipelines: crude oil 1,800 km; petroleum products 580 km; natural gas 1,495 km Ports: none; maritime outlets are Arica and Antofagasta in Chile, Matarani and Ilo in Peru Merchant marine: 2 cargo and 1 container ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 16,951 GRT/26,320 DWT Civil air: 56 major transport aircraft Airports: 1,105 total, 943 usable; 9 with permanent-surface runways; 2 with runways over 3,659 m; 7 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 146 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: radio relay system being expanded; improved international services; 144,300 telephones; broadcast stations - 129 AM, no FM, 43 TV, 68 shortwave; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station :Bolivia Defense Forces Branches: Army, Navy (including Marines), Air Force, National Police Force Manpower availability: males 15-49, 1,727,101; 1,122,224 fit for military service; 72,977 reach military age (18) annually Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $80 million, 1.6% of GDP (1990 est). :Bosnia and Herzegovina Geography Total area: 51,233 km2 Land area: 51,233 km2 Comparative area: slightly larger than Tennessee Land boundaries: 1,369 km; Croatia (northwest) 751 km, Croatia (south) 91 km, Serbia and Montenegro 527 km Coastline: 20 km Maritime claims: Contiguous zone: NA nm Continental shelf: 20-meter depth Exclusive economic zone: 12 nm Exclusive fishing zone: 12 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: Serbia and Croatia seek to cantonize Bosnia and Herzegovina; Muslim majority being forced from many areas Climate: hot summers and cold winters; areas of high elevation have short, cool summers and long, severe winters; mild, rainy winters along coast Terrain: mountains and valleys Natural resources: coal, iron, bauxite, manganese, timber, wood products, copper, chromium, lead, zinc Land use: 20% arable land; 2% permanent crops; 25% meadows and pastures; 36% forest and woodland; 16% other; includes 1% irrigated Environment: air pollution from metallurgical plants; water scarce; sites for disposing of urban waste are limited; subject to frequent and destructive earthquakes Note: Controls large percentage of important land routes from Western Europe to Aegean Sea and Turkish Straits :Bosnia and Herzegovina People Population: 4,364,000 (July 1991), growth rate 0.5% (1991) Birth rate: 14.5 births/1,000 population (1991) Death rate: 6.5 deaths/1,000 population (1991) Net migration rate: NA migrants/1,000 population (1991) Infant mortality rate: 15.2 deaths/1,000 live births (1991) Life expectancy at birth: 68 years male, 73 years female (1980-82) Total fertility rate: NA children born/woman (1991) Nationality: noun - Muslim, Serb, Croat (s); adjective - Muslim, Serbian, Croatian Ethnic divisions: Muslim 44%, Serb 33%, Croat 17% Religions: Slavic Muslim 40%, Orthodox 31%, Catholic 15%, Protestant 4% Languages: Serbo-Croatian 99% Literacy: 85.5% (male 94.5%, female 76.7%) age 10 and over can read and write (1981 est.) Labor force: 1,026,254; 2% agriculture, industry, mining 45% (1991 est.) Organized labor: NA :Bosnia and Herzegovina Government Long-form name: none Type: emerging democracy Capital: Sarajevo Administrative divisions: NA Independence: December 1918; April 1992 from Yugoslavia Constitution: NA Legal system: based on civil law system National holiday: NA Executive branch: president, prime minister, deputy prime minister Legislative branch: NA Judicial branch: NA Leaders: Chief of State: President Alija IZETBEGOVIC (since December 1990), Vice President NA Head of Government: Prime Minister Jore PELIVAN (since January 1991), Deputy Prime Minister Muhamed CENGIC and Rusmir MAHMUTCEHAJIC (since January 1991) Political parties and leaders: Party of Democratic Action, Alija IZETBEGOVIC; Croatian Democratic Union, Mate BOBAN; Serbian Democratic Party, Radovah KARADZIC; Muslim Bosnian Organization, Muhamed Zulfikar PASIC; Socialist Democratic Party, Nijaz DURAKOVIC Suffrage: at age 16 if employed; universal at age 18 Elections: NA Other political or pressure groups: NA Member of: CSCE Diplomatic representation: NA Flag: NA :Bosnia and Herzegovina Economy Overview: Bosnia and Herzegovina ranked next to Macedonia as the poorest component in the old Yugoslav federation. Although agriculture has been almost all in private hands, farms have been small and inefficient, and the republic traditionally has been a net importer of food. Industry has been greatly overstaffed, one reflection of the rigidities of Communist central planning and management. Tito had pushed the development of military industries in the republic with the result that Bosnia hosted a large share of Yugoslavia's defense plants. As of April 1992, the newly independent republic was being torn apart by bitter interethnic warfare that has caused production to plummet, unemployment and inflation to soar, and human misery to multiply. The survival of the republic as a political and economic unit is in doubt. Both Serbia and Croatia have imposed various economic blockades and may permanently take over large areas populated by fellow ethnic groups. These areas contain most of the industry. If a much smaller core Muslim state survives, it will share many Third World problems of poverty, technological backwardness, and dependence on historically soft foreign markets for its primary products. In these circumstances, other Muslim countries might offer assistance. GDP: $14 billion; real growth rate --37% (1991) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 80% per month (1991) Unemployment rate: 28% (February 1992 est.) Budget: revenues $NA million; expenditures $NA million, including capital expenditures of $NA million (19__) Exports: $2,054 million (1990) commodities: manufactured goods (31%), machinery and transport equipment (20.8%), raw materials (18%), miscellaneous manufactured articles (17.3%), chemicals (9.4%), fuel and lubricants (1.4%), food and live animals (1.2%) partners: principally the other former Yugoslav republics Imports: $1,891 million (1990) commodities: fuels and lubricants (32%), machinery and transport equipment (23.3%), other manufactures (21.3%), chemicals (10%), raw materials (6.7%), food and live animals (5.5%), beverages and tobacco (1.9%) partners: principally the other former Yugoslav republics External debt: NA Industrial production: sharply down because of interethnic and interrepublic warfare (1991-92) Electricity: 14,400 million kW capacity; NA million kWh produced, 3,303 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: steel production, mining (coal, iron ore, lead, zinc, manganese, and bauxite), manufacturing (vehicle assembly, textiles, tobacco products, wooden furniture, 40% of former Yugoslavia's armaments including tank and aircraft assembly, domestic appliances), oil refining :Bosnia and Herzegovina Economy Agriculture: accounted for 8.6% of national income in 1989; regularly produces less than 50% of food needs; the foothills of northern Bosnia support orchards, vineyards, livestock, and some wheat and corn; long winters and heavy precipitation leach soil fertility reducing agricultural output in the mountains; farms are mostly privately held, small, and not very productive Illicit drugs: NA Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-87), $NA billion; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-86), $NA million; Communist countries (1971-86), $NA million Currency: none; note - Croatian dinar used in ethnic Croat areas, Yugoslav dinar used in all other areas Exchange rates: NA Fiscal year: calendar year :Bosnia and Herzegovina Communications Railroads: NA km all 1.000-meter gauge (includes NA km electrified) Highways: 21,168 km total (1991); 11,436 km paved, 8,146 km gravel, 1,586 km earth Inland waterways: NA km perennially navigable Pipelines: crude oil 174 km, petroleum products NA km, natural gas NA km Ports: maritime - none; inland - Bosanski Brod Merchant marine: NA ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling NA GRT/NA DWT; includes NA cargo, NA container, NA liquefied gas, NA petroleum tanker Civil air: NA major transport aircraft Airports: 2 main, NA usable; NA with permanent-surface runways; NA with runways over 3,659 m; NA with runways 2,440-3,659 m; NA with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: Bosnia's telephone and telegraph network is in need of modernization and expansion, many urban areas being below average compared with services in other former Yugoslav republics; 727,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 9 AM, 2 FM, 6 (0 repeaters) TV; 840,000 radios; 1,012,094 TVs; NA submarine coaxial cables; satellite ground stations - none :Bosnia and Herzegovina Defense Forces Branches: Territorial Defense Force Manpower availability: males 15-49, NA; NA fit for military service; 39,000 reach military age (18) annually Defense expenditures: $NA, NA% of GDP :Botswana Geography Total area: 600,370 km2 Land area: 585, 370 km2 Comparative area: slightly smaller than Texas Land boundaries: 4,013 km; Namibia 1,360 km, South Africa 1,840 km, Zimbabwe 813 km Coastline: none - landlocked Maritime claims: none - landlocked Disputes: none 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: urable 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; overgazing; desertification Note: landlocked :Botswana People Population: 1,292,210 (July 1992), growth rate 2.6% (1992) Birth rate: 35 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 8 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 42 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 59 years male, 65 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 4.4 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun and ajective - Motswana (singular), Batswana (plural) Ethnic divisions: Batswana 95%; Kalanga, Basarwa, and Kgalagadi about 4%; white about 1% Religions: indigenous beliefs 50%, Christian 50% Languages: English (official), Setswana Literacy: 23% (male 32%, female 16%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) Labor force: 400,000; 198,500 formal sector employees, most others are engaged in cattle raising and subsistence agriculture (1990 est.); 14,600 are employed in various mines in South Africa (1990) Organized labor: 19 trade unions :Botswana 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: Independence 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; Boswana People's Party (BPP), Knight MARIPE; Botswana Independence Party (BIP), Motsamai MPHO Suffrage: universal at age 21 Elections: National Assembly: last held 7 October 1989 (next to be held October 1994); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (38 total, 34 elected) BDP 35, BNF 3 President: last held 7 October 1989 (next to be held October 1994); results - President Quett K. J. MASIRE was reelected by the National Assembly 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 7M, 3400 International Drive NW, Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202) 244-4990 or 4991 US: Ambassador Davie PASSAGE; Embassy at Gaborone (mailing address is P. O. Box 90, Gaborone); telephone [267] 353-982; FAX [267] 356-947 Flag: light blue with a horizontal white-edged black stripe in the center :Botswana Economy Overview: The economy has historically been based on cattle raising and crops. Agriculture today provides a livelihood for more than 80% of the population, but produces only about 50% of food needs. The driving force behind the rapid economic growth of the 1970s and 1980s has been the mining industry. This sector, mostly on the strength of diamonds, has gone from generating 25% of GDP in 1980 to 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%. Although diamond production remained level in FY91, substantial gains in coal output and manufacturing helped boost the economy GDP: purchasing power equivalent - $3.6 billion, per capita $2,800; real growth rate 6.3% (1991 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 12.6% (1991) Unemployment rate: 25% (1989) Budget: revenues $1,935 million; expenditures $1,885 million, including capital expenditures of $658 million (FY93) Exports: $1.8 billion (f.o.b. 1990) commodities: diamonds 80%, copper and nickel 9%, meat 4%, cattle, animal products partners: Switzerland, UK, SACU (Southern African Customs Union) Imports: $1.6 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: 220,000 kW capacity; 630 million kWh produced 858 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: mining of diamonds, copper, nickel, coal, salt, soda ash, potash; livestock processing Agriculture: accounts for only 3% of DGP; 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 (1970-89), $1,875 million; 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 - 2.1683 (March 1992), 2.0173 (1991), 1.8601 (1990), 2.0125 (1989), 1.8159 (1988), 1.6779 (1987) Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March :Botswana Communications Railroads: 712 km 1.067-meter gauge Highways: 11,514 km total; 1,600 km paved; 1,700 km crushed stone or gravel, 5,177 km improved earth, 3,037 km unimproved earth Civil air: 5 major transport aircraft Airports: 100 total, 87 unable; 8 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 1 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 27 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: the small system is a combination of open-wire lines, radio relay links, and a few radio-communications stations; 26,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 7 AM, 13 FM, no TV; 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT earth station :Botswana Defense Forces Branches: Botswana Defense Force (including Army and Air Wing); Botswana National Police Manpower availability: males 15-49, 271,511; 142,947 fit for military service; 14,473 reach military age (18) annually Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $136.4 million, 4.4% of GDP (FY92) :Bouvet Island 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 Disputes: none 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 :Bouvet Island People Population: uninhabited :Bouvet Island Government Long-form name: none Type: territory of Norway Capital: none; administered from Oslo, Norway :Bouvet Island Economy Overview: no economic activity :Bouvet Island Communications Ports: none; offshore anchorage only Telecommunications: automatic meteorological station :Bouvet Island Defense Forces Note: defense is the responsibility of Norway :Brazil Geography 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; 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) 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 :Brazil People Population: 158,202,019 (July 1992), growth rate 1.8% (1992) Birth rate: 25 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 7 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 67 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 62 years male, 69 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 3.0 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Brazilian(s); adjective - Brazilian Ethnic divisions: Portuguese, Italian, German, Japanese, black, Amerindian; white 55%, mixed 38%, black 6%, other 1% Religions: Roman Catholic (nominal) 90% Languages: 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.) :Brazil 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 (PPS), Paulo MALUF, president; Brazilian Social Democracy Party (PSDB), Tasso JEREISSATI, president; Popular Socialist Party (PPS), Roberto FREIRE, president; Communist Party of Brazil (PCdoB), Joao AMAZONAS, secretary general; Christian Democratic Party (PDC), Siqueira CAMPOS, president Suffrage: voluntary at age 16; compulsory between ages 18 and 70; voluntary at age 70 Elections: Chamber of Deputies: last held 3 October 1990 (next to be held November 1994); results - PMDB 21%, PFL 17%, PDT 9%, PDS 8%, PRN 7.9%, PTB 7%, PT 7%, other 23.1%; seats - (503 total as of 3 February 1991) PMDB 108, PFL 87, PDT 46, PDS 43, PRN 40, PTB 35, PT 35, other 109 Federal Senate: last held 3 October 1990 (next to be held November 1994); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (81 total as of 3 February 1991) PMDB 27, PFL 15, PSDB 10, PTB 8, PDT 5, other 16 :Brazil Government President: last held 15 November 1989, with runoff on 17 December 1989 (next to be held November 1994); results - Fernando COLLOR de Mello 53%, Luis Inacio da SILVA 47%; note - first free, direct presidential election since 1960 Communists: less than 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-15, G-19, G-24, G-77, GATT, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO, ITU, LAES, LAIA, LORCS, MERCOSUR, NAM (observer), OAS, OPANAL, PCA, RG, UN, UNAVEM, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WHO, WFTU, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Rubens RICUPERO; Chancery at 3006 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202) 745-2700; there are Brazilian Consulates General in 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 Nacoes, Lote 3, Brasilia, Distrito Federal (mailing address is APO AA 34030); telephone [55] (61) 321-7272; FAX [55] (61) 225-9136; there are US Consulates General in Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo, and Consulates in PortoAlegre 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) :Brazil Economy Overview: The economy, with large agrarian, mining, and manufacturing sectors, entered the 1990s with declining real growth, runaway inflation, an unserviceable foreign debt of $122 billion, and a lack of policy direction. In addition, the economy remained highly regulated, inward-looking, and protected by substantial trade and investment barriers. Ownership of major industrial and mining facilities is divided among private interests - including several multinationals - and the government. Most large agricultural holdings are private, with the government channeling financing to this sector. Conflicts between large landholders and landless peasants have produced intermittent violence. The Collor government, which assumed office in March 1990, 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. The government in December 1991 signed a letter of intent with the IMF for a 20-month standby loan. Having reached an agreement on the repayment of interest arrears accumulated during 1989 and 1990, Brazilian officials and commercial bankers are engaged in talks on the reduction of medium- and long-term debt and debt service payments and on the elimination of remaining interest arrears. A major long-run strength is Brazil's vast natural resources. GDP: exchange rate conversion - $358 billion, per capita $2,300; real growth rate 1.2% (1991) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 478.5% (December 1991, annual rate) Unemployment rate: 4.3% (1991) Budget: revenues $164.3 billion; expenditures $170.6 billion, including capital expenditures of $32.9 billion (1990) Exports: $31.6 billion (1991) commodities: iron ore, soybean bran, orange juice, footwear, coffee partners: EC 31%, US 24%, Latin America 11%, Japan 8% (1990) Imports: $21.0 billion (1991) commodities: crude oil, capital goods, chemical products, foodstuffs, coal partners: Middle East and Africa 22%, US 21%, EC 21%, Latin America 18%, Japan 6% (1990) External debt: $118 billion (December 1991) Industrial production: growth rate--0.5% (1991); accounts for 39% of GDP Electricity: 58,500,000 kW capacity; 229,824 million kWh produced, 1,479 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: textiles and other consumer goods, shoes, chemicals, cement, lumber, iron ore, steel, motor vehicles and auto parts, metalworking, capital goods, tin Agriculture: 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 :Brazil Economy Illicit drugs: illicit producer of cannabis and coca, mostly for domestic consumption; government has a modest eradication program to control cannabis and coca cultivation; important transshipment country for Bolivian and Colombian cocaine headed for the US and Europe Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $2.5 billion; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $10.2 million; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $284 million; former Communist countries (1970-89), $1.3 billion Currency: cruzeiro (plural - cruzeiros); 1 cruzeiro (Cr$) = 100 centavos Exchange rates: cruzeiros (Cr$) per US$1 - 1,197.38 (January 1992), 406.61 (1991), 68.300 (1990), 2.834 (1989), 0.26238 (1988), 0.03923 (1987) Fiscal year: calendar year :Brazil Communications Railroads: 28,828 km total; 24,864 km 1.000-meter gauge, 3,877 km 1.600-meter gauge, 74 km mixed 1.600-1.000-meter gauge, 13 km 0.760-meter gauge; 2,360 km electrified Highways: 1,448,000 km total; 48,000 km paved, 1,400,000 km gravel or earth Inland waterways: 50,000 km navigable Pipelines: crude oil 2,000 km; petroleum products 3,804 km; natural gas 1,095 km Ports: Belem, Fortaleza, Ilheus, Manaus, Paranagua, Porto Alegre, Recife, Rio de Janeiro, Rio Grande, Salvador, Santos Merchant marine: 245 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 5,693,500 GRT/9,623,918 DWT; includes 3 passenger-cargo, 49 cargo, 1 refrigerated cargo, 13 container, 9 roll-on/roll-off, 57 petroleum tanker, 15 chemical tanker, 11 liquefied gas, 14 combination ore/oil, 71 bulk, 2 combination bulk; in addition, 2 naval tankers and 4 military transport are sometimes used commercially Civil air: 198 major transport aircraft Airports: 3,563 total, 2,911 usable; 420 with permanent-surface runways; 2 with runways over 3,659 m; 22 with runways 2,240-3,659 m; 550 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: good system; extensive radio relay facilities; 9.86 million telephones; broadcast stations - 1,223 AM, no FM, 112 TV, 151 shortwave; 3 coaxial submarine cables, 3 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth stations and 64 domestic satellite earth stations :Brazil Defense Forces Branches: Brazilian Army, Navy of Brazil (including Marines), Brazilian Air Force, Military Police (paramilitary) Manpower availability: males 15-49, 41,515,103; 27,987,257 fit for military service; 1,644,571 reach military age (18) annually Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $1.1 billion, 0.3% of GDP (1990) :British Indian Ocean Territory Geography Total area: 60 km2 Land area: 60 km2; includes the island of Diego Garcia Comparative area: about 0.3 times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: none Coastline: 698 km Maritime claims: Territorial sea: UK announced establishment of 200-nm fishery zone in August 1991 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; island is site of joint US-UK military facility :British Indian Ocean Territory 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 :British Indian Ocean Territory 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 Mr. T. G. HARRIS; Administrator Mr. R. G. WELLS (since NA 1991); note - both reside in the UK Diplomatic representation: none (dependent territory of UK) Flag: white with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and six blue wavy horizontal stripes bearing a palm tree and yellow crown centered on the outer half of the flag :British Indian Ocean Territory Economy Overview: All economic activity is concentrated on the largest island of Diego Garcia, where joint UK-US defense facilities are located. Construction projects and various services needed to support the military installations are done by military and contract employees from the UK and the US. There are no industrial or agricultural activities on the islands. Electricity: provided by the US military :British Indian Ocean Territory Communications Highways: short stretch of paved road between port and airfield on Diego Garcia Ports: Diego Garcia Airports: 1 with permanent-surface runways over 3,659 m on Diego Garcia Telecommunications: minimal facilities; broadcast stations (operated by US Navy) - 1 AM, 1 FM, 1 TV; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station :British Indian Ocean Territory Defense Forces Note: defense is the responsibility of the UK :British Virgin Islands Geography Total area: 150 km2 Land area: 150 km2; includes the island of Anegada 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 Disputes: none Climate: subtropical; humid; temperatures moderated by trade winds Terrain: coral islands relatively flat; volcanic islands steep, hilly Natural resources: negligible Land use: arable land 20%; permanent crops 7%; meadows and pastures 33%; forest and woodland 7%; other 33% Environment: subject to hurricanes and tropical storms from July to October Note: strong ties to nearby US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico :British Virgin Islands People Population: 12,555 (July 1992), growth rate 1.2% (1992) Birth rate: 20 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 6 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: --2 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 20 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 71 years male, 75 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 2.3 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - British Virgin Islander(s); adjective - British Virgin Islander Ethnic divisions: over 90% black, remainder of white and Asian origin Religions: Protestant 86% (Methodist 45%, Anglican 21%, Church of God 7%, Seventh-Day Adventist 5%, Baptist 4%, Jehovah's Witnesses 2%, other 2%), Roman Catholic 6%, none 2%, other 6% (1981) Languages: English (official) Literacy: 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 :British Virgin Islands 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 P. A. PENFOLD (since NA 1991) 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 Progressive 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, independents 2 Member of: CARICOM (associate), CDB, ECLAC (associate), IOC, OECS, UNESCO (associate) Diplomatic representation: none (dependent territory of UK) Flag: blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and the Virgin Islander coat of arms centered in the outer half of the flag; the coat of arms depicts a woman flanked on either side by a vertical column of six oil lamps above a scroll bearing the Latin word VIGILATE (Be Watchful) :British Virgin Islands Economy Overview: The economy, one of the most prosperous in the Caribbean area, is highly dependent on the tourist industry, which generates about 21% of the national income. In 1985 the government offered offshore registration to companies wishing to incorporate in the islands, and, in consequence, incorporation fees generated about $2 million in 1987. Livestock raising is the most significant agricultural activity. The islands' crops, limited by poor soils, are unable to meet food requirements. GDP: purchasing power equivalent - $130 million, per capita $10,600; real growth rate 6.3% (1990) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 2.5% (1990 est.) Unemployment rate: NEGL% Budget: revenues $51 million; expenditures $88 million, including capital expenditures of $38 million (1991) Exports: $2.7 million (f.o.b., 1988) commodities: rum, fresh fish, gravel, sand, fruits, animals partners: Virgin Islands (US), Puerto Rico, US Imports: $11.5 million (c.i.f., 1988) commodities: building materials, automobiles, foodstuffs, machinery partners: Virgin Islands (US), Puerto Rico, US External debt: $4.5 million (1985) Industrial production: growth rate--4.0% (1985) Electricity: 10,500 kW capacity; 43 million kWh produced, 3,510 kWh per capita (1990) Industries: tourism, light industry, construction, rum, concrete block, offshore financial center Agriculture: livestock (including poultry), fish, fruit, vegetables Economic aid: NA Currency: US currency is used Exchange rates: US currency is used Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March :British Virgin Islands Communications Highways: 106 km motorable roads (1983) Ports: Road Town Airports: 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; broadcast stations - 1 AM, no FM, 1 TV :British Virgin Islands 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 boundaries: 381 km; Malysia 381 km 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; all of the Spratly Islands are claimed by China, Taiwan, and Vietnam; parts of them are claimed by Malaysia and the Philippines; in 1984, Brunei established an exclusive fishing zone that encompasses Louisa Reef, but has not publicly claimed the island Climate: tropical; hot, humid, rainy Terrain: flat coastal plain rises to mountains in east; hilly lowland in west Natural resources: 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 :Brunei People Population: 269,319 (July 1992), growth rate 2.9% (1992) Birth rate: 27 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 5 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 7 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 26 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 69 years male, 73 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 3.5 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Bruneian(s); adjective - Bruneian Ethnic divisions: Malay 64%, Chinese 20%, other 16% Religions: Muslim (official) 63%, Buddhism 14%, Christian 8%, indigenous beliefs and other 15% (1981) Languages: Malay (official), English, 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 :Brunei 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: 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 His Majesty Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan Haji HASSANAL Bolkiah Mu`izzaddin 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 Member of: APEC, ASEAN, C, ESCAP, G-77, ICAO, IDB, IMO, INTERPOL, IOC, ISO (correspondent), ITU, OIC, UN, UNCTAD, UPU, WHO, WMO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Mohamed KASSIM bin Haji Mohamed Daud; Chancery at 2600 Virginia Avenue NW, Suite 3000, Washington, DC 20037; telephone (202) 342-0159 US: Ambassador (vacant); Embassy at Third Floor, Teck Guan Plaza, Jalan Sultan, American Embassy Box B, APO AP 96440; telephone [673] (2) 229-670; FAX [673] (2) 225-293 Flag: yellow with two diagonal bands of white (top, almost double width) and black starting from the upper hoist side; the national emblem in red is superimposed at the center; the emblem includes a swallow-tailed flag on top of a winged column within an upturned crescent above a scroll and flanked by two upraised hands :Brunei Economy Overview: The economy is a mixture of foreign and domestic entrepreneurship, government regulation and welfare measures, and village tradition. It is almost totally supported by exports of crude oil and natural gas, with revenues from the petroleum sector accounting for more than 50% of GDP. Per capita GDP of $8,800 is among the highest in the Third World, and substantial income from overseas investment supplements domestic production. The government provides for all medical services and subsidizes food and housing. GDP: exchange rate conversion - $3.5 billion, per capita $8,800; real growth rate 1% (1990 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 1.3% (1989) Unemployment rate: 3.7%, shortage of skilled labor (1989) Budget: revenues $1.3 billion; expenditures $1.5 billion, including capital expenditures of $255 million (1989 est.) Exports: $2.2 billion (f.o.b., 1990 est.) commodities: crude oil, liquefied natural gas, petroleum products partners: Japan 53%, UK 12%, South Korea 9%, Thailand 7%, Singapore 5% (1990) Imports: $1.7 billion (c.i.f., 1990 est.) commodities: machinery and transport equipment, manufactured goods, food, chemicals partners: Singapore 35%, UK 26%, Switzerland 9%, US 9%, Japan 5% (1990) External debt: 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, petroleum refining, liquefied natural gas, construction Agriculture: imports about 80% of its food needs; principal crops and livestock include rice, cassava, bananas, buffaloes, and pigs Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-87), $20.6 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $153 million Currency: Bruneian dollar (plural - dollars); 1 Bruneian dollar (B$) = 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); note - the Bruneian dollar is at par with the Singapore dollar Fiscal year: calendar year :Brunei Communications Railroads: 13 km 0.610-meter narrow-gauge private line Highways: 1,090 km total; 370 km paved (bituminous treated) and another 52 km under construction, 720 km gravel or unimproved Inland waterways: 209 km; navigable by craft drawing less than 1.2 meters Pipelines: crude oil 135 km; petroleum products 418 km; natural gas 920 km Ports: Kuala Belait, Muara Merchant marine: 7 liquefied gas carriers (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 348,476 GRT/340,635 DWT 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); broadcast stations - 4 AM/FM, 1 TV; 74,000 radio receivers (1987); satellite earth stations - 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT and 1 Pacific Ocean INTELSAT :Brunei Defense Forces Branches: Ground Forces, Navy, Air Force, and Royal Brunei Police Manpower availability: males 15-49, 75,330; 43,969 fit for military service; 2,595 reach military age (18) annually Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $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; Greece 494 km, Macedonia 148 km, Romania 608 km, Serbia and Montenegro 318 km, Turkey 240 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 Macedonia Climate: temperate; cold, damp winters; hot, dry summers Terrain: mostly mountains with lowlands in north and south Natural resources: bauxite, copper, lead, zinc, coal, timber, arable land Land use: arable land 34%; permanent crops 3%; meadows and pastures 18%; forest and woodland 35%; other 10%; 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 :Bulgaria People Population: 8,869,161 (July 1992), growth rate --0.5% (1992) Birth rate: 12 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 12 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: --5 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 13 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 69 years male, 76 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 1.7 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Bulgarian(s); adjective - Bulgarian Ethnic divisions: Bulgarian 85.3%, Turk 8.5%, Gypsy 2.6%, Macedonian 2.5%, Armenian 0.3%, Russian 0.2%, other 0.6% Religions: Bulgarian Orthodox 85%; Muslim 13%; Jewish 0.8%; Roman Catholic 0.5%; Uniate Catholic 0.2%; Protestant, Gregorian-Armenian, and other 0.5% Languages: Bulgarian; secondary languages closely correspond to ethnic breakdown Literacy: 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 :Bulgaria Government Long-form name: Republic of Bulgaria Type: emerging democracy, diminishing 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: adopted 12 July 1991 Legal system: based on civil law system, with Soviet law influence; has accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction National holiday: 3 March (1878) Executive branch: president, chairman of the Council of Ministers (premier), two deputy chairmen of the Council of Ministers, Council of Ministers Legislative branch: unicameral National Assembly (Narodno Sobranie) Judicial branch: Supreme Court; Constitutional Court Leaders: Chief of State: President Zhelyu ZHELEV (since 1 August 1990) Head of Government: Chairman of the Council of Ministers (Premier) Filip DIMITROV (since 8 November 1991); Deputy Chairman of the Council of Ministers (Deputy Prime Minister) Stoyan GANEV (since 8 November 1991); Deputy Chairman of the Council of Ministers Nikolay VASILEV (since 8 November 1991) Political parties and leaders: government: Union of Democratic Forces (UDF), Filip DIMITROV, chairman, consisting of United Democratic Center, Democratic Party, Radical Democratic Party, Christian Democratic Union, Alternative Social Liberal Party, Republican Party, Civic Initiative Movement, Union of the Repressed, and about a dozen other groups; Movement for Rights and Freedoms (pro-Muslim party) (MRF), Ahmed DOGAN, chairman, supports UDF but not officially in coalition with it opposition: Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP), formerly Bulgarian Communist Party (BCP), Zhan VIDENOV, chairman Suffrage: universalandcompulsoryatage 18 Elections: National Assembly: last held 13 October 1991; results - BSP 33%, UDF 34%, MRF 7.5%; seats - (240 total) BSP 106, UDF 110, Movement for Rights and Freedoms 24 President: last held 12 January 1992; second round held 19 January 1992; results - Zhelyu ZHELEV was elected by popular vote Communists: Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP), formerly Bulgarian Communist Party (BCP), 501,793 members; several small Communist parties :Bulgaria Government Other political or pressure groups: Ecoglasnost; Podkrepa (Support) Labor Confederation; Fatherland Union; Bulgarian Democratic Youth (formerly Communist Youth Union); Confederation of Independent Trade Unions of Bulgaria (KNSB); Nationwide Committee for Defense of National Interests; Peasant Youth League; Bulgarian Agrarian National Union - United (BZNS); Bulgarian Democratic Center; "Nikola Petkov" Bulgarian Agrarian National Union; Internal Macedonian Revolutionary Organization - Union of Macedonian Societies (IMRO-UMS); numerous regional, ethnic, and national interest groups with various agendas Member of: BIS, CCC, CE, CSCE, EBRD, ECE, FAO, G-9, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IIB, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, IOC, ISO, ITU, LORCS, NACC, NSG, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Ognyan PISHEV; Chancery at 1621 22nd Street NW, Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202) 387-7969 US: Ambassador Hugh Kenneth HILL; Embassy at 1 Alexander Stamboliski Boulevard, Sofia (mailing address is APO AE 09213-5740); telephone [359] (2) 88-48-01 through 05; Embassy has no FAX machine Flag: three equal horizontal bands of white (top), green, and red; the national emblem formerly on the hoist side of the white stripe has been removed - it contained a rampant lion within a wreath of wheat ears below a red five-pointed star and above a ribbon bearing the dates 681 (first Bulgarian state established) and 1944 (liberation from Nazi control) :Bulgaria Economy Overview: Growth in the lackluster Bulgarian economy fell to the 2% annual level in the 1980s. By 1990, Sofia's foreign debt had skyrocketed to over $10 billion - giving a debt-service ratio of more than 40% of hard currency earnings and leading the regime to declare a moratorium on its hard currency payments. The post-Communist government faces major problems of renovating an aging industrial plant; 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. Bulgaria's new government, led by Prime Minister Filip Dimitrov, is strongly committed to economic reform. The previous government, even though dominated by former Communists, had taken the first steps toward dismantling the central planning system, bringing the economy back into balance, and reducing inflationary pressures. The program produced some encouraging early results, including eased restrictions on foreign investment, increased support from international financial institutions, and liberalized currency trading. Small entrepreneurs have begun to emerge and some privatization of small enterprises has taken place. The government has passed bills to privatize large state-owned enterprises and reform the banking system. Negotiations on an association agreement with the EC began in late 1991. GNP: purchasing power equivalent - $36.4 billion, per capita $4,100; real growth rate --22% (1991 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 420% (1991 est.) Unemployment rate: 10% (1991 est.) Budget: revenues NA; expenditures NA, including capital expenditures of $NA billion (1991) Exports: $8.4 billion (f.o.b., 1990) commodities: machinery and equipment 55.3%; agricultural products 15.0%; manufactured consumer goods 10.0%; fuels, minerals, raw materials, and metals 18.4%; other 1.3% (1990) partners: former CMEA countries 70.6% (USSR 56.2%, Czechoslovakia 3.9%, Poland 2.5%); developed countries 13.6% (Germany 2.1%, Greece 1.2%); less developed countries 13.1% (Libya 5.8%, Iran 0.5%) (1990) Imports: $9.6 billion (f.o.b., 1990) commodities: fuels, minerals, and raw materials 43.7%; machinery and equipment 45.2%; manufactured consumer goods 6.7%; agricultural products 3.8%; other 0.6% partners: former CMEA countries 70.9% (former USSR 52.7%, Poland 4.1%); developed countries 20.2% (Germany 5.0%, Austria 2.1%); less developed countries 7.2% (Libya 2.0%, Iran 0.7%) External debt: $11.2 billion (1991) Industrial production: growth rate --14.7% (1990); accounts for about 37% of GNP (1990) Electricity: 11,500,000 kW capacity; 45,000 million kWh produced, 5,040 kWh per capita (1990) :Bulgaria Economy Industries: machine building and metal working, food processing, chemicals, textiles, building materials, ferrous and nonferrous metals Agriculture: accounts for 22% of GNP (1990); climate and soil conditions support livestock raising and the growing of various grain crops, oilseeds, vegetables, fruits, and tobacco; more than one-third of the arable land devoted to grain; world's fourth-largest tobacco exporter; surplus food producer Illicit drugs: transshipment point for southwest Asian heroin transiting the Balkan route Economic aid: donor - $1.6 billion in bilateral aid to non-Communist less developed countries (1956-89) Currency: lev (plural - leva); 1 lev (Lv) = 100 stotinki Exchange rates: leva (Lv) per US$1 - 17.18 (1 January 1992), 16.13 (March 1991), 0.7446 (November 1990), 0.84 (1989), 0.82 (1988), 0.90 (1987); note - floating exchange rate since February 1991 Fiscal year: calendar year :Bulgaria Communications Railroads: 4,300 km total, all government owned (1987); 4,055 km 1.435-meter standard gauge, 245 km narrow gauge; 917 km double track; 2,510 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 oil 193 km; petroleum products 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: 110 ships (1,000 GRT and over) totaling 1,234,657 GRT/1,847,759 DWT; includes 2 short-sea passenger, 30 cargo, 2 container, 1 passenger-cargo training, 6 roll-on/roll-off, 15 petroleum tanker, 4 chemical carrier, 2 railcar carrier, 48 bulk; Bulgaria owns 1 ship (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 8,717 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: extensive radio relay; 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); broadcast stations - 20 AM, 15 FM, and 29 TV, with 1 Soviet TV repeater in Sofia; 2.1 million TV sets (1990); 92% of country receives No. 1 television program (May 1990); 1 satellite ground station using Intersputnik; INTELSAT is used through a Greek earth station :Bulgaria Defense Forces Branches: Army, Navy, Air and Air Defense Forces, Frontier Troops, Internal Troops Manpower availability: males 15-49, 2,181,421; 1,823,678 fit for military service; 65,942 reach military age (19) annually Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - 4.413 billion leva, 4.4% of GNP (1991); note - conversion of defense expenditures into US dollars using the current exchange rate could 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; 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 :Burkina People Population: 9,653,672 (July 1992), growth rate 3.1% (1992) Birth rate: 49 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 16 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: --2 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 117 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 52 years male, 53 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 7.1 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Burkinabe (singular and plural); 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 Religions: indigenous beliefs about 65%, Muslim 25%, Christian (mainly Roman Catholic) 10% Languages: 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 :Burkina 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: June 1991 Legal system: based on French civil law system and customary law National holiday: Anniversary of the Revolution, 4 August (1983) Executive branch: President, 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: President Captain Blaise COMPAORE (since 15 October 1987) Political parties and leaders: Organization for Popular Democracy (ODP/MT), ruling party; Coordination of Democratic Forces (CFD), composed of opposition parties Suffrage: none Elections: the National Assembly was dissolved 25 November 1980; presidential election held December 1991 and legislative election scheduled for 24 May 1992 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. BYRNN; 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; FAX [226] 31-23-68 Flag: two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and green with a yellow five-pointed star in the center; uses the popular pan-African colors of Ethiopia :Burkina Economy Overview: One of the poorest countries in the world, Burkina has a high population density, few natural resources, and relatively infertile soil. Economic development is hindered by a poor communications network within a landlocked country. Agriculture provides about 40% of GDP and is entirely of a subsistence nature. Industry, dominated by unprofitable government-controlled corporations, accounts for about 15% of GDP. GDP: exchange rate conversion - $2.9 billion, per capita $320 (1988); real growth rate 1.3% (1990 est.) 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% (1990 est.), accounts for about 15% of GDP (1988) Electricity: 120,000 kW capacity; 320 million kWh produced, 40 kWh per capita (1991) 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 (1970-89), $2.9 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 - 269.01 (January 1992), 282.11 (1991), 272.26 (1990), 319.01 (1989), 297.85 (1988), 300.54 (1987) Fiscal year: calendar year :Burkina 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: 48 total, 38 usable; 2 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 2 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 8 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: all services only fair; radio relay, wire, and radio communication stations in use; broadcast stations - 2 AM, 1 FM, 2 TV; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station :Burkina Defense Forces Branches: Army, Air Force, National Gendarmerie, National Police, Peoples' Militia Manpower availability: males 15-49, 1,904,647; 971,954 fit for military service; no conscription Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $55 million, 2.7% of GDP (1988 est.) :Burma Geography Total area: 678,500 km2 Land area: 657,740 km2 Comparative area: slightly smaller than Texas Land boundaries: 5,876 km; Bangladesh 193 km, China 2,185 km, India 1,463 km, Laos 235 km, Thailand 1,800 km Coastline: 1,930 km Maritime claims: Contiguous zone: 24 nm Continental shelf: edge of continental margin or 200 nm Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: none Climate: tropical monsoon; cloudy, rainy, hot, humid summers (southwest monsoon, June to September); less cloudy, scant rainfall, mild temperatures, lower humidity during winter (northeast monsoon, December to April) Terrain: central lowlands ringed by steep, rugged highlands Natural resources: 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 :Burma People Population: 42,642,418 (July 1992), growth rate 1.9% (1992) Birth rate: 29 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 10 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 68 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 57 years male, 61 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 3.8 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Burmese (singular and plural); adjective - Burmese Ethnic divisions: Burman 68%, Shan 9%, Karen 7%, Rakhine 4%, Chinese 3%, Mon 2%, Indian 2%, other 5% Religions: Buddhist 89%, Christian 4% (Baptist 3%, Roman Catholic 1%), Muslim 4%, animist beliefs 1%, other 2% Languages: Burmese; minority ethnic groups have their own languages Literacy: 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 :Burma 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. THAN SHWE (since 23 April 1992) Political parties and leaders: National Unity Party (NUP; proregime), THA KYAW; National League for Democracy (NLD), U AUNG SHWE; National Coalition of Union of Burma (NCGUB), SEIN WIN - consists of individuals legitimately elected but not recognized by military regime; fled to border area and joined with insurgents in December 1990 to form a parallel government 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, UPU, WHO, WMO :Burma Government Diplomatic representation: Ambassador U THAUNG; 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, Charge d'Affaires Franklin P. HUDDLE, Jr.; Embassy at 581 Merchant Street, Rangoon (mailing address is GPO Box 521, AMEMB Box B, APO AP 96546); telephone [95] (1) 82055, 82181; FAX [95] (1) 80409 Flag: red with a blue rectangle in the upper hoist-side corner bearing, all in white, 14 five-pointed stars encircling a cogwheel containing a stalk of rice; the 14 stars represent the 14 administrative divisions :Burma Economy Overview: Burma is a poor Asian country, with a per capita GDP of about $500. The nation has been unable to achieve any substantial improvement in export earnings because of falling prices for many of its major commodity exports. For rice, traditionally the most important export, the drop in world prices has been accompanied by shrinking markets and a smaller volume of sales. In 1985 teak replaced rice as the largest export and continues to hold this position. The economy is heavily dependent on the agricultural sector, which generates about 40% of GDP and provides employment for 65% of the work force. Burma has been largely isolated from international economic forces and has been trying to encourage foreign investment, so far with little success. GDP: exchange rate conversion - $22.2 billion, per capita $530; real growth rate 5.6% (1991) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 40% (1991) Unemployment rate: 9.6% in urban areas (FY89 est.) Budget: revenues $7.2 billion; expenditures $9.3 billion, including capital expenditures of $6 billion (1991) Exports: $568 million commodities: teak, rice, oilseed, metals, rubber, gems partners: Southeast Asia, India, Japan, China, EC, Africa Imports: $1.16 billion commodities: machinery, transport equipment, chemicals, food products partners: Japan, EC, China, Southeast Asia External debt: $4.2 billion (1991) 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 40% of GDP (including fish and forestry); self-sufficient in food; principal crops - paddy rice, corn, oilseed, sugarcane, pulses; world's largest stand of hardwood trees; rice and teak account for 55% of export revenues; fish catch of 740,000 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 (1970-89), $3.9 billion; Communist countries (1970-89), $424 million :Burma Economy Currency: kyat (plural - kyats); 1 kyat (K) = 100 pyas Exchange rates: kyats (K) per US$1 - 6.0963 (January 1992), 6.2837 (1991), 6.3386 (1990), 6.7049 (1989), 6.46 (1988), 6.6535 (1987) Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March :Burma Communications Railroads: 3,991 km total, all government owned; 3,878 km 1.000-meter gauge, 113 km narrow-gauge industrial lines; 362 km double track Highways: 27,000 km total; 3,200 km bituminous, 17,700 km improved earth or gravel, 6,100 km unimproved earth Inland waterways: 12,800 km; 3,200 km navigable by large commercial vessels Pipelines: crude oil 1,343 km; natural gas 330 km Ports: Rangoon, Moulmein, Bassein Merchant marine: 71 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 1,036,018 GRT/1,514,121 DWT; includes 3 passenger-cargo, 19 cargo, 5 refrigerated cargo, 3 vehicle carrier, 3 container, 2 petroleum tanker, 6 chemical, 1 combination ore/oil, 27 bulk, 1 combination bulk, 1 roll-on/roll-off Civil air: 17 major transport aircraft (including 3 helicopters) Airports: 85 total, 82 usable; 27 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 3 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 38 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: meets minimum requirements for local and intercity service; international service is good; 53,000 telephones (1986); radiobroadcast coverage is limited to the most populous areas; broadcast stations - 2 AM, 1 FM, 1 TV (1985); 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT earth station :Burma Defense Forces Branches: Army, Navy, Air Force Manpower availability: eligible 15-49, 21,447,878; of the 10,745,530 males 15-49, 5,759,840 are fit for military service; of the 10,702,348 females 15-49, 5,721,868 are fit for military service; 424,474 males and 410,579 females reach military age (18) annually; both sexes are liable for military service Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $1.28 billion, FY(91-92) :Burundi Geography Total area: 27,830 km2 Land area: 25,650 km2 Comparative area: slightly larger than Maryland Land boundaries: 974 km; Rwanda 290 km, Tanzania 451 km, Zaire 233 km Coastline: none - landlocked Maritime claims: none - landlocked Disputes: none Climate: temperate; warm; occasional frost in uplands Terrain: mostly rolling to hilly highland; some plains Natural resources: nickel, uranium, rare earth oxide, peat, cobalt, copper, platinum (not yet exploited), vanadium Land use: arable land 43%; permanent crops 8%; meadows and pastures 35%; forest and woodland 2%; other 12%; includes irrigated NEGL% Environment: soil exhaustion; soil erosion; deforestation Note: landlocked; straddles crest of the Nile-Congo watershed :Burundi People Population: 6,022,341 (July 1992), growth rate 3.2% (1992) Birth rate: 46 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 14 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 106 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 51 years male, 55 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 6.8 children born/woman (1992) 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 Religions: Christian about 67% (Roman Catholic 62%, Protestant 5%), indigenous beliefs 32%, Muslim 1% Languages: 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 :Burundi 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; a constitutional committee was charged with drafting a new constitution created in February 1991; a referendum on the 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: Major Pierre BUYOYA, President (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), Nicolas MAYUGI, secretary general; note - although Burundi is still officially a one-party state, at least four political parties were formed in 1991 in anticipation of proposed constitutional reform in 1992 - Burundi Democratic Front (FRODEBU), Organization of the People of Burundi (RPB), Socialist Party of Burundi (PSB), Movement for Peace and Democracy (MPD) - the Party for the Liberation of the Hutu People (PALIPEHUTU), formed in exile in the early 1980s, is an ethnically based political party dedicated to majority rule; the government has long accused PALIPEHUTU of practicing devisive ethnic politics and fomenting violence against the state. PALIPEHUTU's exclusivist charter makes it an unlikely candidate for legalization under the new constitution that will require party membership open to all ethnic groups Suffrage: universal adult at age NA Elections: National Assembly: 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 :Burundi Government 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; B. P. 1720, Avenue des Etats-Unis, Bujumbura; telephone [257] (222) 454; FAX [257] (222) 926 Flag: divided by a white diagonal cross into red panels (top and bottom) and green panels (hoist side and outer side) with a white disk superimposed at the center bearing three red six-pointed stars outlined in green arranged in a triangular design (one star above, two stars below) :Burundi Economy Overview: A landlocked, resource-poor country in an early stage of economic development, Burundi is predominately agricultural with only a few basic industries. Its economic health depends on the coffee crop, which accounts for an average 90% of foreign exchange earnings each year. The ability to pay for imports therefore continues to rest largely on the vagaries of the climate and the international coffee market. As part of its economic reform agenda, launched in February 1991 with IMF and World Bank support, Burundi is trying to diversify its export agriculture capability and attract foreign investment in industry. Several state-owned coffee companies were privatized via public auction in September 1991. GDP: exchange rate conversion - $1.13 billion, per capita $200; real growth rate 3.4% (1990 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 7.1% (1990 est.) Unemployment rate: NA% Budget: revenues $158 million; expenditures $204 million, including capital expenditures of $131 million (1989 est.) Exports: $74.7 million (f.o.b., 1990) commodities: coffee 88%, tea, hides, and skins partners: EC 83%, US 5%, Asia 2% Imports: $234.6 million (c.i.f., 1990) commodities: capital goods 31%, petroleum products 15%, foodstuffs, consumer goods partners: EC 57%, Asia 23%, US 3% External debt: $1.0 billion (1990 est.) Industrial production: real growth rate 5.1% (1986); accounts for about 10% of GDP Electricity: 55,000 kW capacity; 105 million kWh produced, 20 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: light consumer goods such as blankets, shoes, soap; assembly of imports; public works construction; food processing Agriculture: accounts for 60% of GDP; 90% of population dependent on subsistence farming; marginally self-sufficient in food production; cash crops - coffee, cotton, tea; food crops - corn, sorghum, sweet potatoes, bananas, manioc; livestock - meat, milk, hides, and skins Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $71 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $10.2 billion; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $32 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $175 million Currency: Burundi franc (plural - francs); 1 Burundi franc (FBu) = 100 centimes Exchange rates: Burundi francs (FBu) per US$1 - 193.72 (January 1992), 181.51 (1991), 171.26 (1990), 158.67 (1989), 140.40 (1988), 123. 56 (1987) Fiscal year: calendar year :Burundi Communications Highways: 5,900 km total; 400 km paved, 2,500 km gravel or laterite, 3,000 km improved or unimproved earth Inland waterways: Lake Tanganyika Ports: Bujumbura (lake port) connects to transportation systems of Tanzania and Zaire Civil air: no major transport aircraft Airports: 6 total, 6 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; broadcast stations - 2 AM, 2 FM, 1 TV; 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT earth station :Burundi Defense Forces Branches: Army (includes naval and air units); paramilitary Gendarmerie Manpower availability: males 15-49, 1,306,611; 681,050 fit for military service; 59,676 reach military age (16) annually Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $28 million, 3.7% of GDP (1989) :Cambodia Geography Total area: 181,040 km2 Land area: 176,520 km2 Comparative area: slightly smaller than Oklahoma Land boundaries: 2,572 km; Laos 541 km, Thailand 803 km, Vietnam 1,228 km Coastline: 443 km Maritime claims: Contiguous zone: 24 nm Continental shelf: 200 nm Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: offshore islands and three sections of the boundary with Vietnam are in dispute; maritime boundary with Vietnam not defined Climate: tropical; rainy, monsoon season (May to October); dry season (December to March); little seasonal temperature variation Terrain: mostly low, flat plains; mountains in southwest and north Natural resources: timber, gemstones, some iron ore, manganese, phosphates, hydropower potential Land use: arable land 16%; permanent crops 1%; meadows and pastures 3%; forest and woodland 76%; other 4%; includes irrigated 1% Environment: a land of paddies and forests dominated by Mekong River and Tonle Sap Note: buffer between Thailand and Vietnam :Cambodia People Population: 7,295,706 (July 1992), growth rate 2.1% (1992) Birth rate: 37 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 15 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 121 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 48 years male, 51 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 4.4 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Cambodian(s); adjective - Cambodian Ethnic divisions: Khmer 90%, Chinese 5%, other 5% Religions: Theravada Buddhism 95%, other 5% Languages: 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 :Cambodia Government Long-form name: none Type: currently administered by the Supreme National Council (SNC), a body set up under United Nations' auspices, in preparation for an internationally supervised election in 1993 and including representatives from each of the country's four political factions Capital: Phnom Penh Administrative divisions: 19 provinces (khet, singular and plural) and 2 autonomous cities* Banteay Meanchey, Batdambang, Kampong Cham, Kampong Chhnang, Kampong Saom City*, Kampong Spoe, Kampong Thum, Kampot, Kandal, Kaoh Kong, Kracheh, Mondol Kiri, Phnom Phen City*, Pouthisat, Preah Vihear, Prey Veng, Rotanokiri, Siemreab-Otdar Meanchey, Stoeng Treng, Svay Rieng, Takev Independence: 8 November 1949 (from France) Constitution: a new constitution will be drafted after the national election in 1993 National holiday: NGC - Independence Day, 17 April (1975); SOC - Liberation Day, 7 January (1979) Executive branch: a twelve-member Supreme National Council (SNC), chaired by Prince NORODOM SIHANOUK, composed of representatives from each of the four political factions; faction names and delegation leaders are: State of Cambodia (SOC) - HUN SEN; Democratic Kampuchea (DK or Khmer Rouge) - KHIEU SAMPHAN; Khmer People's National Liberation Front (KPNLF) - SON SANN; National United Front for an Independent, Peaceful, Neutral, and Cooperative Cambodia (FUNCINPEC) - Prince NORODOM RANARIDDH Legislative branch: pending a national election in 1993, the incumbent SOC faction's National Assembly is the only functioning national legislative body Judicial branch: pending a national election in 1993, the incumbent SOC faction's Supreme People's Court is the only functioning national judicial body Leaders: Chief of State: SNC - Chairman Prince NORODOM SIHANOUK, under United Nations's supervision Head of Government: NGC - vacant, formerly held by SON SANN (since July 1982); will be determined following the national election in 1993; SOC - Chairman of the Council of Ministers HUN SEN (since 14 January 1985) Political parties and leaders: Democratic Kampuchea (DK, also known as the Khmer Rouge) under KHIEU SAMPHAN; Cambodian Pracheachon Party or Cambodian People's Party (CPP) (name changed and HENG SAMRIN replaced in October 1991) under CHEA SIM; Khmer People's National Liberation Front (KPNLF) under SON SANN; National United Front for an Independent, Neutral, Peaceful, and Cooperative Cambodia (FUNCINPEC) under Prince NORODOM RANNARIDH Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: UN-supervised election for a 120-member constituent assembly based on proportional representation within each province will be held nine months after UN-organized voter registration is complete; the election is not anticipated before April 1993; the assembly will draft and approve a constitution and then transform itself into a legislature that will create a new Cambodian Government :Cambodia Government 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: the Supreme National Council (SNC) represents Cambodia in international organizations - it filled UN seat in September 1991 US: Charles TWINNING is the US representative to Cambodia Flag: SNC - blue background with white map of Cambodia in middle; SOC - two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and blue with a gold stylized five-towered temple representing Angkor Wat in the center :Cambodia Economy Overview: Cambodia 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. The food situation remains precarious; during the 1980s famine was 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 has been primarily with the former USSR and Vietnam, and both trade and foreign aid are being adversely affected by the breakup of the USSR. Statistical data on the economy continue to be sparse and unreliable. Foreign aid from the former USSR and Eastern Europe has virtually stopped. GDP: exchange rate conversion - $930 million, per capita $130; real growth rate NA (1991 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 53% (1990 est.) Unemployment rate: NA% Budget: revenues $178 million expenditures $NA, including capital expenditures of $NA (1991) 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: 140,000 kW capacity; 200 million kWh produced, 30 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: rice milling, fishing, wood and wood products, rubber, cement, gem mining Agriculture: mainly subsistence farming except for rubber plantations; main crops - rice, rubber, corn; food shortages - rice, meat, vegetables, dairy products, sugar, flour Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $725 million; Western (non-US countries) (1970-89), $300 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $1.8 billion Currency: riel (plural - riels); 1 riel (CR) = 100 sen Exchange rates: riels (CR) per US$1 - 714 (May 1992), 500 (December 1991), 560 (1990), 159.00 (1988), 100.00 (1987) Fiscal year: calendar year :Cambodia Communications Railroads: 612 km 1.000-meter gauge, government owned Highways: 13,351 km total; 2,622 km bituminous; 7,105 km crushed stone, gravel, or improved earth; 3,624 km unimproved earth; some roads in disrepair Inland waterways: 3,700 km navigable all year to craft drawing 0.6 meters; 282 km navigable to craft drawing 1.8 meters Ports: Kampong Saom, Phnom Penh Airports: 16 total, 8 usable; 5 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; broadcast stations - 1 AM, no FM, 1 TV :Cambodia Defense Forces Branches: SOC - Cambodian People's Armed Forces (CPAF); Communist resistance forces - National Army of Democratic Kampuchea (Khmer Rouge); non-Communist resistance forces - Armee National Kampuchea Independent (ANKI), which is sometimes anglicized as National Army of Independent Cambodia (NAIC), and Khmer People's National Liberation Armed Forces (KPNLAF) - under the Paris peace agreement of October 1991, all four factions are to observe a cease-fire and prepare for UN-supervised cantonment, disarmament, and 70% demobilization before the election, with the fate of the remaining 30% to be determined by the newly elected government - the United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC) will verify the cease-fire and disarm the combatants Manpower availability: males 15-49, 1,877,339; 1,032,102 fit for military service; 61,807 reach military age (18) annually Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $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; 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; boundary commission created with Nigeria to discuss unresolved land and maritime boundaries - has not yet convened Climate: varies with terrain from tropical along coast to semiarid and hot in north Terrain: diverse, with coastal plain in southwest, dissected plateau in center, mountains in west, plains in north Natural resources: 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 :Cameroon People Population: 12,658,439 (July 1992), growth rate 3.3% (1992) Birth rate: 44 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 11 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 81 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 55 years male, 60 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 6.4 children born/woman (1992) 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% Religions: indigenous beliefs 51%, Christian 33%, Muslim 16% Languages: 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 :Cameroon 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; numerous small parties formed since opposition parties were legalized in 1990 Suffrage: universal at age 20 Elections: National Assembly: next to be held 1 March 1992 President: last held 24 April 1988 (next to be held April 1993); results - President Paul BIYA reelected without opposition 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, INMARSAT, 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; FAX [237] 230753; there is a US Consulate General in Douala :Cameroon Government Flag: three equal vertical bands of green (hoist side), red, and yellow with a yellow five-pointed star centered in the red band; uses the popular pan-African colors of Ethiopia :Cameroon Economy Overview: Because of its offshore oil resources, Cameroon has one of the highest incomes per capita in tropical Africa. Still, it faces many of the serious problems facing other underdeveloped countries, such as political instability, a top-heavy civil service, and a generally unfavorable climate for business enterprise. The development of the oil sector led rapid economic growth between 1970 and 1985. Growth came to an abrupt halt in 1986 precipitated by steep declines in the prices of major exports: coffee, cocoa, and petroleum. Export earnings were cut by almost one-third, and inefficiencies in fiscal management were exposed. In 1990-92, with support from the IMF and World Bank, the government has begun to introduce reforms designed to spur business investment, increase efficiency in agriculture, and recapitalize the nation's banks. Nationwide strikes organized by opposition parties in 1991, however, undermined these efforts. GDP: exchange rate conversion - $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 $1.2 billion; expenditures $1.8 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 France) 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: 755,000 kW capacity; 2,940 million kWh produced, 270 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: crude oil products, food processing, light consumer goods, textiles, sawmills Agriculture: the agriculture and forestry sectors provide employment for the majority of the population, contributing nearly 25% to GDP and providing a high degree of self-sufficiency in staple foods; commercial and food crops include coffee, cocoa, timber, cotton, rubber, bananas, oilseed, grains, livestock, root starches Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $440 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $4.5 billion; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $29 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $125 million :Cameroon Economy Currency: Communaute Financiere Africaine franc (plural - francs); 1 CFA franc (CFAF) = 100 centimes Exchange rates: Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (CFAF) per US$1 - 269.01 (January 1992), 282.11 (1991), 272.26 (1990), 319.01 (1989), 297.85 (1988), 300.54 (1987) Fiscal year: 1 July - 30 June :Cameroon Communications Railroads: 1,003 km total; 858 km 1.000-meter gauge, 145 km 0.600-meter gauge Highways: about 65,000 km total; includes 2,682 km paved, 32,318 km gravel and improved earth, and 30,000 km of unimproved earth Inland waterways: 2,090 km; of decreasing importance Ports: Douala Merchant marine: 2 cargo ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 24,122 GRT/33,509 DWT Civil air: 5 major transport aircraft Airports: 56 total, 50 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; broadcast stations - 11 AM, 11 FM, 1 TV; 2 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth stations :Cameroon Defense Forces Branches: Army, Navy (including naval infantry), Air Force; National Gendarmerie, Presidential Guards Manpower availability: males 15-49, 2,753,059; 1,385,706 fit for military service; 120,011 reach military age (18) annually Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $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 the 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 Russia); strategic location between Russia and US via north polar route :Canada People Population: 27,351,509 (July 1992), growth rate 1.3% (1992) Birth rate: 14 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 7 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 6 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 7 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 74 years male, 81 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 1.8 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Canadian(s); adjective - Canadian Ethnic divisions: British Isles origin 40%, French origin 27%, other European 20%, indigenous Indian and Eskimo 1.5% Religions: Roman Catholic 46%, United Church 16%, Anglican 10% Languages: 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 :Canada 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 June 1986) Political parties and leaders: Progressive Conservative Party, Brian MULRONEY; Liberal Party, Jean CHRETIEN; New Democratic Party, 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 Party 43.0%, Liberal Party 32%, New Democratic Party 20%, other 5%; seats - (295 total) Progressive Conservative Party 159, Liberal Party 80, New Democratic Party 44, independents 12 Communists: 3,000 Member of: ACCT, AfDB, AG (observer), APEC, AsDB, Australia Group, 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, ISO, ITU, LORCS, MTCR, NACC, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS, OECD, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNDOF, UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIIMOG, UNTSO, UPU, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC :Canada Government Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Derek BURNEY; Chancery at 501 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20001; telephone (202) 682-1740; 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 Peter TEELEY; Embassy at 100 Wellington Street, K1P 5T1, Ottawa (mailing address is P. O. Box 5000, Ogdensburg, NY 13669-0430); telephone (613) 238-5335 or (613) 238-4470; FAX (613) 238-5720; 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 :Canada Economy Overview: As an affluent, high-tech industrial society, Canada today closely resembles the US in per capita output, market-oriented economic system, and pattern of production. Since World War II the impressive growth of the manufacturing, mining, and service sectors has transformed the nation from a largely rural economy into one primarily industrial and urban. In the 1980s, Canada registered one of the highest rates of real growth among the OECD nations, averaging about 3.2%. With its great natural resources, skilled labor force, and modern capital plant, Canada has excellent economic prospects. However, the continuing constitutional impasse between English- and French-speaking areas has observers discussing a possible split in the confederation; foreign investors are becoming edgy. GDP: purchasing power equivalent - $521.5 billion, per capita $19,400; real growth rate -1.1% (1991 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 4.2% (November 1991, annual rate) Unemployment rate: 10.3% (November 1991) Budget: revenues $111.8 billion; expenditures $138.3 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA (FY90 est.) Exports: $124.0 billion (f.o.b., 1991) commodities: newsprint, wood pulp, timber, crude petroleum, machinery, natural gas, aluminum, motor vehicles and parts; telecommunications equipment partners: US, Japan, UK, Germany, South Korea, Netherlands, China Imports: $118 billion (c.i.f., 1991) commodities: crude petroleum, chemicals, motor vehicles and parts, durable consumer goods, electronic computers; telecommunications equipment and parts partners: US, Japan, UK, Germany, France, Mexico, Taiwan, South Korea External debt: $247 billion (1987) Industrial production: growth rate -3.8% (August 1991); accounts for 34% of GDP Electricity: 106,464,000 kW capacity; 479,600 million kWh produced, 17,872 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: processed and unprocessed minerals, food products, wood and paper products, transportation equipment, chemicals, fish products, petroleum and natural gas Agriculture: accounts for about 3% of GDP; one of the world's major producers and exporters of grain (wheat and barley); key source of US agricultural imports; large forest resources cover 35% of total land area; commercial fisheries provide annual catch of 1.5 million metric tons, of which 75% is exported Illicit drugs: illicit producer of cannabis for the domestic drug market; use of hydroponics technology permits growers to plant large quantities of high-quality marijuana indoors; growing role as a transit point for heroin and cocaine entering the US market :Canada Economy 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 - 1.1565 (January 1992), 1.1457 (1991), 1.1668 (1990), 1.1840 (1989), 1.2307 (1988), 1.3260 (1987) Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March :Canada 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: crude and refined oil 23,564 km; natural gas 74,980 km Ports: Halifax, Montreal, Quebec, Saint John (New Brunswick), Saint John's (Newfoundland), Toronto, Vancouver Merchant marine: 70 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 500,904 GRT/727,118 DWT; includes 1 passenger, 3 short-sea passenger, 2 passenger-cargo, 10 cargo, 2 railcar carrier, 1 refrigerated cargo, 8 roll-on/roll-off, 1 container, 28 petroleum tanker, 5 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: 1,416 total, 1,168 usable; 455 with permanent-surface runways; 4 with runways over 3,659 m; 30 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 338 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: excellent service provided by modern media; 18.0 million telephones; broadcast stations - 900 AM, 29 FM, 53 (1,400 repeaters) TV; 5 coaxial submarine cables; over 300 earth stations operating in INTELSAT (including 4 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Pacific Ocean) and domestic systems :Canada Defense Forces Branches: Canadian Armed Forces (including Mobile Command, Maritime Command, Air Command, Communications Command, Canadian Forces Europe, Training Commands), Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Manpower availability: males 15-49, 7,366,675; 6,387,459 fit for military service; 190,752 reach military age (17) annually Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $11.4 billion, 1.7% of GDP (FY91); $10.5 billion, NA% of GDP (FY 92) :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 Disputes: none Climate: temperate; warm, dry, summer; precipitation very erratic Terrain: steep, rugged, rocky, volcanic Natural resources: salt, basalt rock, pozzolana, limestone, kaolin, fish Land use: arable land 9%; permanent crops 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 :Cape Verde People Population: 398,276 (July 1992), growth rate 3.0% (1992) Birth rate: 48 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 10 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: - 8 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 61 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 60 years male, 64 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 6.5 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Cape Verdean(s); adjective - Cape Verdean Ethnic divisions: Creole (mulatto) about 71%, African 28%, European 1% Religions: Roman Catholicism fused with indigenous beliefs Languages: 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) :Cape Verde 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, 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 Monteiro MASCARENHAS (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: People's National Assembly: last held 13 January 1991 (next to be held January 1996); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (79 total) MPD 56, PAICV 23; note - this multiparty Assembly election ended 15 years of single-party rule President: last held 17 February 1991 (next to be held February 1996); results - Antonio Monteiro MASCARENHAS (MPD) received 72.6% of vote 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 Carlos Alberto Santos SILVA; 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 Hoji Ya Henda Yenna 81, Praia (mailing address is C. P. 201, Praia); telephone [238] 61-43-63 or 61-42-53; FAX [238] 61-13-55 :Cape Verde Government 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 :Cape Verde 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. Economic reforms launched by the new democratic government in February 1991 are aimed at developing the private sector and attracting foreign investment to diversify the economy. GDP: exchange rate conversion - $310 million, per capita $800; real growth rate 4% (1990 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 10% (1990 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 40%, Algeria 31%, Angola, Netherlands (1990 est.) Imports: $107.8 million (c.i.f., 1989) commodities: petroleum, foodstuffs, consumer goods, industrial products partners: Sweden 33%, Spain 11%, Germany 5%, Portugal 3%, France 3%, Netherlands, US (1990 est.) External debt: $150 million (December 1990 est.) Industrial production: growth rate 18% (1988 est.); accounts for 7% of GDP Electricity: 15,000 kW capacity; 15 million kWh produced, 40 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: fish processing, salt mining, clothing factories, ship repair, construction materials, food and beverage production Agriculture: accounts for 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 (1970-89), $537 million; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $12 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $36 million Currency: Cape Verdean escudo (plural - escudos); 1 Cape Verdean escudo (CVEsc) = 100 centavos :Cape Verde Economy Exchange rates: Cape Verdean escudos (CVEsc) per US$1 - 71.28 (March 1992), 71.41 (1991), 64.10 (November 1990), 74.86 (December 1989), 72.01 (1988), 72.5 (1987) Fiscal year: calendar year :Cape Verde Communications Ports: Mindelo, Praia Merchant marine: 7 cargo ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 11,717 GRT/19,000 DWT Civil air: 3 major transport aircraft 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; 2 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: interisland radio relay system, high-frequency radio to Senegal and Guinea-Bissau; over 1,700 telephones; broadcast stations - 1 AM, 6 FM, 1 TV; 2 coaxial submarine cables; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station :Cape Verde Defense Forces Branches: People's Revolutionary Armed Forces (FARP) - Army and Navy are separate components of FARP; Security Service Manpower availability: males 15-49, 72,916; 43,010 fit for military service Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $NA, NA% of GDP :Cayman Islands 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 Disputes: none Climate: tropical marine; warm, rainy summers (May to October) and cool, relatively dry winters (November to April) Terrain: low-lying limestone base surrounded by coral reefs Natural resources: fish, climate and beaches that foster tourism Land use: arable land 0%; permanent crops 0%; meadows and pastures 8%; forest and woodland 23%; other 69% Environment: within the Caribbean hurricane belt Note: important location between Cuba and Central America :Cayman Islands People Population: 29,139 (July 1992), growth rate 4.4% (1992) Birth rate: 16 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 5 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 33 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 8 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 75 years male, 79 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 1.5 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Caymanian(s); adjective - Caymanian Ethnic divisions: 40% mixed, 20% white, 20% black, 20% expatriates of various ethnic groups Religions: United Church (Presbyterian and Congregational), Anglican, Baptist, Roman Catholic, Church of God, other Protestant denominations Languages: 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 :Cayman Islands 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) Constitution: 1959, revised 1972 Legal system: British common law and local statutes National holiday: Constitution Day (first Monday in July) 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 Michael GORE (since May 1992) 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 November 1988 (next to be held November 1992); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (15 total, 12 elected) Member of: CARICOM (observer), 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 HE HATH FOUNDED IT UPON THE SEAS :Cayman Islands Economy Overview: The economy depends heavily on tourism (70% of GDP and 75% of export earnings) and offshore financial services, with the tourist industry aimed at the luxury market and catering mainly to visitors from North America. About 90% of the islands' food and consumer goods needs must be imported. The Caymanians enjoy one of the highest standards of living in the region. GDP: exchange rate conversion - $384 million, per capita $14,500 (1989); real growth rate 8% (1990) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 8% (1990 est.) Unemployment rate: NA% Budget: revenues $83.6 million; expenditures $98.9 million, including capital expenditures of $13.6 million (1990) 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, 9,313 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: tourism, banking, insurance and finance, construction, building materials, furniture making Agriculture: minor production of vegetables, fruit, livestock; turtle farming Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $26.7 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $35 million Currency: Caymanian dollar (plural - dollars); 1 Caymanian dollar (CI$) = 100 cents Exchange rates: Caymanian dollars (CI$) per US$1 - 1.20 (fixed rate) Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March :Cayman Islands Communications Highways: 160 km of main roads Ports: George Town, Cayman Brac Merchant marine: 32 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 364,174 GRT/560,241 DWT; includes 1 passenger-cargo, 7 cargo, 8 roll-on/roll-off cargo, 6 petroleum tanker, 1 chemical tanker, 1 specialized tanker, 1 liquefied gas carrier, 5 bulk, 2 combination bulk; note - a flag of convenience registry Civil air: 2 major transport aircraft 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; broadcast stations - 2 AM, 1 FM, no TV :Cayman Islands Defense Forces Branches: Royal Cayman Islands Police Force (RCIPF) Note: defense is the responsibility of the UK :Central African Republic Geography Total area: 622,980 km2 Land area: 622,980 km2 Comparative area: slightly smaller than Texas Land boundaries: 5,203 km; 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 Disputes: none Climate: tropical; hot, dry winters; mild to hot, wet summers Terrain: vast, flat to rolling, monotonous plateau; scattered hills in northeast and southwest Natural resources: diamonds, uranium, timber, gold, oil Land use: arable land 3%; permanent crops 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 :Central African Republic People Population: 3,029,080 (July 1992), growth rate 2.6% (1992) Birth rate: 43 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 18 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 135 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 46 years male, 49 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 5.5 children born/woman (1992) 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 Religions: indigenous beliefs 24%, Protestant 25%, Roman Catholic 25%, Muslim 15%, other 11%; animistic beliefs and practices strongly influence the Christian majority Languages: 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 :Central African Republic 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), 2 economic prefectures* (prefectures economiques, singular - prefecture economique), and 1 commune**; Bamingui-Bangoran, Bangui** Basse-Kotto, Gribingui*, Haute-Kotto, Haute-Sangha, Haut-Mbomou, Kemo-Gribingui, Lobaye, Mbomou, Nana-Mambere, Ombella-Mpoko, Ouaka, Ouham, Ouham-Pende, Sangha*, Vakaga Independence: 13 August 1960 (from France; 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, prime minister, 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:: President Andre-Dieudonne KOLINGBA (since 1 September 1981) Head of Government:: Prime Minister Edouard FRANCK (since 15 March 1991) Political parties and leaders: Centrafrican Democratic Rally Party (RDC), Andre-Dieudonne KOLINGBA; note - as part of political reforms leading to a democratic system announced in April 1991, 18 opposition parties have been legalized Suffrage: universal at age 21 Elections: National Assembly: last held 31 July 1987 (next to be held by end of 1992); results - RDC is the only party; seats - (52 total) RDC 52 President: last held 21 November 1986 (next to be held by end of 1992); results - President KOLINGBA was reelected without opposition 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, 61-25-78, or 61-43-33; FAX [190] (236) 61-44-94 :Central African Republic Government Flag: four equal horizontal bands of blue (top), white, green, and yellow with a vertical red band in center; there is a yellow five-pointed star on the hoist side of the blue band :Central African Republic Economy Overview: Subsistence agriculture, including forestry, is the backbone of the CAR economy, with more than 70% of the population living in the countryside. In 1988 the agricultural sector generated about 40% of GDP. Agricultural products accounted for about 60% of export earnings and the diamond industry for 30%. The country's 1991 budget deficit was US $70 million and in 1992 is expected to be about the same. Important constraints to economic development include the CAR's landlocked position, a poor transportation system, and a weak human resource base. Multilateral and bilateral development assistance, particularly from France, plays a major role in providing capital for new investment. GDP: exchange rate conversion - $1.3 billion, per capita $440; real growth rate - 3.0% (1990 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): -3.0% (1990 est.) Unemployment rate: 30% in Bangui (1988 est.) Budget: revenues $121 million; expenditures $193 million, including capital expenditures of $NA million (1991 est.) Exports: $151.3 million (1990 est.) commodities: diamonds, cotton, coffee, timber, tobacco partners: France, Belgium, Italy, Japan, US Imports: $214.5 million (1990 est.) commodities: food, textiles, petroleum products, machinery, electrical equipment, motor vehicles, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, consumer goods, industrial products partners: France, other EC countries, Japan, Algeria, Yugoslavia External debt: $700 million (1990 est.) Industrial production: 0.8% (1988); accounts for 12% of GDP Electricity: 40,000 kW capacity; 95 million kWh produced, 30 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: diamond mining, sawmills, breweries, textiles, footwear, assembly of bicycles and motorcycles Agriculture: accounts for 40% of GDP; self-sufficient in food production except for grain; commercial crops - cotton, coffee, tobacco, timber; food crops - manioc, yams, millet, corn, bananas Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $49 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $1.5 billion; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $6 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $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 - 269.01 (January 1992), 282.11 (1991), 272.26 (1990), 319.01 (1989), 297.85 (1988), 300.54 (1987) :Central African Republic Economy Fiscal year: calendar year :Central African Republic Communications Highways: 22,000 km total; 458 km bituminous, 10,542 km improved earth, 11,000 unimproved earth Inland waterways: 800 km; traditional trade carried on by means of shallow-draft dugouts; Oubangui is the most important river Civil air: 2 major transport aircraft Airports: 66 total, 52 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; broadcast stations - 1 AM, 1 FM, 1 TV; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station :Central African Republic Defense Forces Branches: Central African Army (including Republican Guard), Air Force, National Gendarmerie, Police Force Manpower availability: males 15-49, 677,889; 354,489 fit for military service Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $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; 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 under way), 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 :Chad People Population: 5,238,908 (July 1992), growth rate 2.1% (1992) Birth rate: 42 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 21 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 136 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 39 years male, 41 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 5.3 children born/woman (1992) 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 Religions: Muslim 44%, Christian 33%, indigenous beliefs, animism 23% Languages: 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 :Chad 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: 11 August 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 ALINGUE 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; national conference to be held in 1992 Suffrage: universal at age NA Elections: National Consultative Council: last held 8 July 1990; disbanded 3 December 1990 President: last held 10 December 1989 (next to be held NA); results - President Hissein HABRE was elected without opposition; note - the government of then President HABRE fell on 1 December 1990, and Idriss DEBY seized power on 3 December 1990; national conference scheduled for mid-1992 and election to follow in 1993 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 :Chad Government Diplomatic representation: Ambassador ACHEIKH ibn Oumar; Chancery at 2002 R Street 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, or 51-62-11; FAX [235] 51-33-72 Flag: three equal vertical bands of blue (hoist side), yellow, and red; similar to the flag of Romania; also similar to the flag of Andorra, which has a national coat of arms featuring a quartered shield centered in the yellow band; design was based on the flag of France :Chad Economy Overview: The climate, geographic location, and lack of infrastructure and natural resources 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. Since coming to power in December 1990, the Deby government has experienced a year of economic chaos. GDP: exchange rate conversion - $1.0 billion, per capita $205; real growth rate 0.9% (1989 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): --4.9% (1989) Unemployment rate: NA Budget: entirely funded by outside donors 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: 40,000 kW capacity; 70 million kWh produced, 15 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: cotton textile mills, slaughterhouses, brewery, natron (sodium carbonate), soap, cigarettes Agriculture: accounts for about 45% of GDP; largely subsistence farming; cotton most important cash crop; food crops include sorghum, millet, peanuts, rice, potatoes, manioc; livestock - cattle, sheep, goats, camels; self-sufficient in food in years of adequate rainfall Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $198 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $1.5 billion; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $28 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $80 million Currency: Communaute Financiere Africaine franc (plural - francs); 1 CFA franc (CFAF) = 100 centimes :Chad Economy Exchange rates: Communaute Financiere Africaine Francs (CFAF) per US$1 - 269.01 (January 1992), 282.11 (1991), 272.26 (1990), 319.01 (1989), 297.85 (1988), 300.54 (1987) Fiscal year: calendar year :Chad Communications Highways: 31,322 km total; 32 km bituminous; 7,300 km gravel and laterite; remainder unimproved earth Inland waterways: 2,000 km navigable Civil air: 3 major transport aircraft Airports: 71 total, 55 usable; 4 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 4 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 25 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: fair system of radiocommunication stations for intercity links; broadcast stations - 6 AM, 1 FM, limited TV service; many facilities are inoperative; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station :Chad Defense Forces Branches: Army (includes Ground Forces, Air Force, and Gendarmerie), National Police, Republican Guard Manpower availability: males 15-49, 1,217,728; 632,833 fit for military service; 50,966 reach military age (20) annually Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $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; 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) :Chile People Population: 13,528,945 (July 1992), growth rate 1.6% (1992) Birth rate: 21 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 6 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 17 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 71 years male, 77 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 2.5 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Chilean(s); adjective - Chilean Ethnic divisions: European and European-Indian 95%, Indian 3%, other 2% Religions: Roman Catholic 89%, Protestant 11%, and small Jewish population Languages: Spanish Literacy: 93% (male 94%, female 93%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) Labor force: 4,728,000; services 38.3% (includes government 12%); industry and commerce 33.8%; agriculture, forestry, and fishing 19.2%; mining 2.3%; construction 6.4% (1990) Organized labor: 13% of labor force (1990) :Chile 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 Azocar (since 11 March 1990) Political parties and leaders: Concertation of Parties for Democracy now consists mainly of five parties - Christian Democratic Party (PDC), Eduardo FREI Ruiz-Tagle; Party for Democracy (PPD), Erich SCHNAKE; Radical Party (PR), Carlos GONZALEZ Marquez; Social Democratic Party (PSP), Roberto MUNOZ Barros; Socialist Party (PS), Ricardo NUNEZ; National Renovation (RN), Andres ALLAMAND; Independent Democratic Union (UDI), Julio DITTBORN; Center-Center Union (UCC), Francisco Juner ERRAZURIZA; 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: Chamber of Deputies: last held 14 December 1989 (next to be held December 1993 or January 1994); results - percent of vote by party NA; 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 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); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (46 total, 38 elected) Concertation of Parties for Democracy 22 (PDC 13, PPD 5, PR 2, PSD 1, PRSD 1), RN 6, UDI 2, independents 8 :Chile Government Communists: The PCCh has 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, WFTV, 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 Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, and San Francisco US: Ambassador Curtis KAMMAN; Embassy at Codina Building, 1343 Agustinas, Santiago (mailing address is APO AA 34033); telephone [56] (2) 671-0133; FAX [56] (2) 699-1141 Flag: two equal horizontal bands of white (top) and red; there is a blue square the same height as the white band at the hoist-side end of the white band; the square bears a white five-pointed star in the center; design was based on the US flag :Chile Economy Overview: The government of President Aylwin, which took power in 1990, has opted to retain the orthodox economic policies of Pinochet, although the share of spending for social welfare has risen slightly. In 1991 growth in GDP recovered to 5.5% (led by consumer spending) after only 2.1% growth in 1990. The tight monetary policy of 1990 helped cut the rate of inflation from 27.3% in 1990 to 18.7% in 1991. Despite a 12% drop in copper prices, the trade surplus rose in 1991, and international reserves increased. Inflationary pressures are not expected to ease much in 1992, and economic growth is likely to approach 7%. GDP: exchange rate conversion - $30.5 billion, per capita $2,300; real growth rate 5.5% (1991 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 18.7% (1991) Unemployment rate: 6.5% (1991) Budget: revenues $7.6 billion; expenditures $8.3 billion, including capital expenditures of $772 million (1991 est.) Exports: $8.9 billion (f.o.b., 1991) commodities: copper 50%, other metals and minerals 7%, wood products 6.5%, fish and fishmeal 9%, fruits 5% (1989) partners: EC 36%, US 18%, Japan 14%, Brazil 6% (1989) Imports: $7.4 billion (f.o.b., 1991) commodities: petroleum, wheat, capital goods, spare parts, raw materials partners: EC 20%, US 20%, Japan 11%, Brazil 10% (1989) External debt: $16.2 billion (October 1991) Industrial production: growth rate 5.9% (1991 est.); accounts for 36% of GDP Electricity: 5,502,800 kW capacity; 21,470 million kWh produced, 1,616 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: copper, other minerals, foodstuffs, fish processing, iron and steel, wood and wood products, transport equipment, cement, textiles Agriculture: accounts for about 9% of GDP (including fishing and forestry); major exporter of fruit, fish, and timber products; major crops - wheat, corn, grapes, beans, sugar beets, potatoes, deciduous fruit; livestock products - beef, poultry, wool; self-sufficient in most foods; 1989 fish catch of 6.1 million metric tons; net agricultural importer Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $521 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $1.6 billion; Communist countries (1970-89), $386 million Currency: Chilean peso (plural - pesos); 1 Chilean peso (Ch$) = 100 centavos Exchange rates: Chilean pesos (Ch$) per US$1 - 368.66 (January 1992), 349.37 (1991), 305.06 (1990), 267.16 (1989), 245.05 (1988), 219.54 (1987) :Chile Economy Fiscal year: calendar year :Chile Communications Railroads: 7,766 km total; 3,974 km 1.676-meter gauge, 150 km 1.435-meter standard gauge, 3,642 km 1.000-meter gauge; 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; petroleum products 785 km; natural gas 320 km Ports: Antofagasta, Iquique, Puerto Montt, Punta Arenas, Valparaiso, San Antonio, Talcahuano, Arica Merchant marine: 33 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 468,873 GRT/780,932 DWT; includes 11 cargo, 1 refrigerated cargo, 3 roll-on/roll-off cargo, 2 petroleum tanker, 1 chemical tanker, 3 liquefied gas, 3 combination ore/oil, 9 bulk; note - in addition, 2 naval tanker and 2 military transport are sometimes used commercially Civil air: 29 major transport aircraft Airports: 390 total, 349 usable; 48 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 12 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 58 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: modern telephone system based on extensive microwave relay facilities; 768,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 159 AM, no FM, 131 TV, 11 shortwave; satellite ground stations - 2 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT and 3 domestic :Chile Defense Forces Branches: Army of the Nation, National Navy (including Naval Air, Coast Guard, and Marines), Air Force of the Nation, Carabineros of Chile (National Police), Investigative Police Manpower availability: males 15-49, 3,600,654; 2,685,924 fit for military service; 118,480 reach military age (19) annually Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $1 billion, 3.4% of GDP (1991 est.) :China Geography Total area: 9,596,960 km2 Land area: 9,326,410 km2 Comparative area: slightly larger than the US Land boundaries: 22,143.34 km; Afghanistan 76 km, Bhutan 470 km, Burma 2,185 km, Hong Kong 30 km, India 3,380 km, Kazakhstan 1,533 km, North Korea 1,416 km, Kyrgyzstan 858 km, Laos 423 km, Macau 0.34 km, Mongolia 4,673 km, Nepal 1,236 km, Pakistan 523 km, Russia (northeast) 3,605 km, Russia (northwest) 40 km, Tajikistan 414 km, Vietnam 1,281 km Coastline: 14,500 km Maritime claims: Continental shelf: claim to shallow areas of East China Sea and Yellow Sea Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: boundary with India; bilateral negotiations are under way to resolve disputed sections of the boundary with Russia; boundary with Tajikistan under dispute: a short section of the boundary with North Korea is indefinite; involved in a complex dispute over the Spratly Islands with Malaysia, Philippines, Taiwan, Vietnam, and possibly Brunei; maritime boundary dispute with Vietnam in the Gulf of Tonkin; Paracel Islands occupied by China, but claimed by Vietnam and Taiwan; claims Japanese-administered Senkaku-shoto, as does Taiwan, (Senkaku Islands/Diaoyu Tai) Climate: extremely diverse; tropical in south to subarctic in north Terrain: mostly mountains, high plateaus, deserts in west; plains, deltas, and hills in east Natural resources: coal, iron ore, 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 Russia and Canada) :China People Population: 1,169,619,601 (July 1992), growth rate 1.6% (1992) Birth rate: 22 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 7 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 32 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 69 years male, 72 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 2.3 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Chinese (singular and plural); adjective - Chinese Ethnic divisions: Han Chinese 93.3%; Zhuang, Uygur, Hui, Yi, Tibetan, Miao, Manchu, Mongol, Buyi, Korean, and other nationalities 6.7% Religions: officially atheist, but traditionally pragmatic and eclectic; most important elements of religion are Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism; Muslim 2-3%, Christian 1% (est.) Languages: 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: 567,400,000; agriculture and forestry 60%, industry and commerce 25%, construction and mining 5%, social services 5%, other 5% (1990 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) :China 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 Shi**, Fujian, Gansu, Guangdong, Guangxi*, Guizhou, Hainan, Hebei, Heilongjiang, Henan, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangsu, Jiangxi, Jilin, Liaoning, Nei Mongol*, Ningxia*, Qinghai, Shaanxi, Shandong, Shanghai Shi**, Shanxi, Sichuan, Tianjin Shi**, Xinjiang*, Xizang*, Yunnan, Zhejiang; note - China considers Taiwan its 23rd province Independence: unification under the Qin (Ch'in) Dynasty 221 BC, Qing (Ch'ing) Dynasty replaced by the Republic on 12 February 1912, People's Republic established 1 October 1949 Constitution: most recent promulgated 4 December 1982 Legal system: a complex amalgam of custom and statute, largely criminal law; rudimentary civil code in effect since 1 January 1987; new legal codes in effect since 1 January 1980; continuing efforts are being made to improve civil, administrative, criminal, and commercial law National holiday: National Day, 1 October (1949) 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: President YANG Shangkun (since 8 April 1988); Vice President WANG Zhen (since 8 April 1988) Chief of State and Head of Government (de facto): DENG Xiaoping (since mid-1977) 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: - Chinese Communist Party (CCP), JIANG Zemin, general secretary of the Central Committee (since 24 June 1989); also, eight registered small parties controlled by CCP Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: National People's Congress: last held 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) President: last held 8 April 1988 (next to be held March 1993); results - YANG Shangkun was nominally elected by the Seventh National People's Congress :China Government 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, APEC, 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, UNTSO, UN Trusteeship Council, UPU, 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 J. Stapleton ROY; Embassy at Xiu Shui Bei Jie 3, Beijing (mailing address is 100600, PSC 461, Box 50, Beijing or FPO AP 96521-0002); telephone [86] (1) 532-3831; FAX [86] (1) 532-3178; 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 :China Economy Overview: Beginning in late 1978 the Chinese leadership has been trying to move the economy from the sluggish Soviet-style centrally planned economy to a more productive and flexible economy with market elements, but still within the framework of monolithic Communist control. To this end the authorities have switched to a system of household responsibility in agriculture in place of the old collectivization, increased the authority of local officials and plant managers in industry, permitted a wide variety of small-scale enterprise in services and light manufacturing, and opened the foreign economic sector to increased trade and joint ventures. The most gratifying result has been a strong spurt in production, particularly in agriculture in the early 1980s. Industry also has posted major gains, especially in coastal areas near Hong Kong and opposite Taiwan, where foreign investment and modern production methods have helped spur production of both domestic and export goods. Aggregate output has more than doubled since 1978. On the darker side, the leadership has often experienced in its hybrid system the worst results of socialism (bureaucracy, lassitude, corruption) and of capitalism (windfall gains and stepped-up inflation). Beijing thus has periodically backtracked, retightening central controls at intervals and thereby lessening the credibility of the reform process. In 1991 output rose substantially, particularly in the favored coastal areas. Popular resistance, changes in central policy, and loss of authority by rural cadres have weakened China's population control program, which is essential to the nation's long-term economic viability. GNP: $NA, per capita $NA; real growth rate 6% (1991) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 2.1% (1991) Unemployment rate: 4.0% in urban areas (1991) Budget: deficit $9.5 billion (1990) Exports: $71.9 billion (f.o.b., 1991) commodities: textiles, garments, telecommunications and recording equipment, petroleum, minerals partners: Hong Kong, Japan, US, USSR, Singapore (1990) Imports: $63.8 billion (c.i.f., 1991) commodities: specialized industrial machinery, chemicals, manufactured goods, steel, textile yarn, fertilizer partners: Hong Kong, Japan, US, Germany, Taiwan (1990) External debt: $51 billion (1990 est.) Industrial production: growth rate 14.0% (1991); accounts for 45% of GNP Electricity: 138,000,000 kW capacity (1990); 670,000 million kWh produced (1991), 582 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: iron, steel, coal, machine building, armaments, textiles, petroleum, cement, chemical fertilizers, consumer durables, food processing :China Economy 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 Illicit drugs: transshipment point for heroin produced in the Golden Triangle Economic aid: donor - to less developed countries (1970-89) $7.0 billion; US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-87), $220.7 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-87), $13.5 billion Currency: yuan (plural - yuan); 1 yuan (Y) = 10 jiao Exchange rates: yuan (Y) per US$1 - 5.4481 (January 1992), 5.3234 (1991), 4.7832 (1990), 3.7651 (1989), 3.7221 (1988), 3.7221 (1987) Fiscal year: calendar year :China Communications Railroads: total about 54,000 km common carrier lines; 53,400 km 1.435-meter standard gauge; 600 km 1.000-meter gauge; of these 11,200 km are double track standard-gauge lines; 6,900 km electrified (1990); 10,000 km dedicated industrial lines (gauges range from 0.762 to 1.067 meters) Highways: about 1,029,000 km (1990) all types roads; 170,000 km (est.) paved roads, 648,000 km (est.) gravel/improved earth roads, 211,000 km (est.) unimproved earth roads and tracks Inland waterways: 138,600 km; about 109,800 km navigable Pipelines: crude oil 9,700 km (1990); petroleum products 1,100 km; natural gas 6,200 km Ports: Dalian, Guangzhou, Huangpu, Qingdao, Qinhuangdao, Shanghai, Xingang, Zhanjiang, Ningbo, Xiamen, Tanggu, Shantou Merchant marine: 1,454 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 13,887,312 GRT/20,916,127 DWT; includes 25 passenger, 42 short-sea passenger, 18 passenger-cargo, 6 cargo/training, 801 cargo, 10 refrigerated cargo, 77 container, 19 roll-on/roll-off cargo, 1 multifunction/barge carrier, 177 petroleum tanker, 10 chemical tanker, 254 bulk, 3 liquefied gas, 1 vehicle carrier, 9 combination bulk, 1 barge carrier; note - China beneficially owns an additional 194 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling approximately 7,077,089 DWT that operate under Panamanian, British, Hong Kong, Maltese, Liberian, Vanuatu, Cyprus, and Saint Vincent registry Civil air: 284 major transport aircraft (1988 est.) 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); broadcast stations - 274 AM, unknown FM, 202 (2,050 repeaters) TV; more than 215 million radio receivers; 75 million TVs; satellite earth stations - 4 Pacific Ocean INTELSAT, 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT, 1 INMARSAT, and 55 domestic :China Defense Forces Branches: People's Liberation Army (PLA), PLA Navy (including Marines), PLA Air Force, People's Armed Police Manpower availability: males 15-49, 339,554,712; 188,995,620 fit for military service; 11,691,967 reach military age (18) annually Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $12-15 billion, NA of GNP (1991 est.) :Christmas Island 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 Disputes: none Climate: tropical; heat and humidity moderated by trade winds Terrain: steep cliffs along coast rise abruptly to central plateau Natural resources: phosphate Land use: arable land 0%; permanent crops 0%; meadows and pastures 0%; forest and woodland 0%; other 100% Environment: almost completely surrounded by a reef Note: located along major sea lanes of Indian Ocean :Christmas Island People Population: 929 (July 1992), growth rate NA% (1992) Birth rate: NA births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: NA deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: NA migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: NA deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: NA years male, NA years female (1992) Total fertility rate: NA children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Christmas Islander(s); adjective - Christmas Island Ethnic divisions: Chinese 61%, Malay 25%, European 11%, other 3%; no indigenous population Religions: Buddhist 36.1%, Muslim 25.4%, Christian 17.7% (Roman Catholic 8.2%, Church of England 3.2%, Presbyterian 0.9%, Uniting Church 0.4%, Methodist 0.2%, Baptist 0.1%, and other 4.7%), none 12.7%, unknown 4.6%, other 3.5% (1981) Languages: English Literacy: NA% (male NA%, female NA%) Labor force: NA; all workers are employees of the Phosphate Mining Company of Christmas Island, Ltd. Organized labor: NA :Christmas Island 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 W. A. MCKENZIE (since NA) Member of: none Diplomatic representation: none (territory of Australia) Flag: the flag of Australia is used :Christmas Island Economy Overview: Phosphate mining had been the only significant economic activity, but in December 1987 the Australian Government closed the mine as no longer economically viable. Plans have been under way to reopen the mine and also to build a casino and hotel to develop tourism, with a possible opening date during the first half of 1992. GDP: NA - $NA, per capita $NA; real growth rate NA% Inflation rate (consumer prices): NA% Unemployment rate: NA% Budget: revenues $NA; expenditures $NA, including capital expenditures of $NA Exports: $NA commodities: phosphate partners: Australia, NZ Imports: $NA commodities: 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 - 1.3360 (January 1992), 1.2836 (1991), 1.2799 (1990), 1.2618 (1989), 1.2752 (1988), 1.4267 (1987) Fiscal year: 1 July - 30 June :Christmas Island Communications Ports: Flying Fish Cove Airports: 1 usable with permanent-surface runway 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: 4,000 radios (1982) :Christmas Island Defense Forces Note: defense is the responsibility of Australia :Clipperton Island Geography Total area: 7 km2 Land 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 :Clipperton Island People Population: uninhabited :Clipperton Island Government Long-form name: none Type: French possession administered by France from French Polynesia by High Commissioner of the Republic Jean MONTPEZAT Capital: none; administered by France from French Polynesia :Clipperton Island Economy Overview: The only economic activity is a tuna fishing station. :Clipperton Island Communications Ports: none; offshore anchorage only :Clipperton Island Defense Forces Note: defense is the responsibility of France :Cocos Islands 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: 2.6 km Maritime claims: Exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 3 nm Disputes: none Climate: pleasant, modified by the southeasttrade wind for about nine months of the year; moderate rain fall Terrain: flat, low-lying coral atolls Natural resources: fish Land use: arable land 0%; permanent crops 0%; meadows and pastures 0%; forest and woodland 0%; other 100% 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 :Cocos Islands People Population: 597 (July 1992), growth rate - 0.5% (1992) Birth rate: NA births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: NA deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: NA migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: NA deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: NA years male, NA years female (1992) Total fertility rate: NA children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Cocos Islander(s); adjective - Cocos Islander Ethnic divisions: mostly Europeans on West Island and Cocos Malays on Home Island Religions: almost all Sunni Muslims Languages: English Literacy: NA% (male NA%, female NA%) Labor force: NA Organized labor: none :Cocos Islands 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 B. CUNNINGHAM (since NA); Chairman of the Islands Council Haji Wahin bin BYNIE (since NA) Suffrage: NA Elections: NA Member of: none Diplomatic representation: none (territory of Australia) Flag: the flag of Australia is used :Cocos Islands Economy Overview: Grown throughout the islands, coconuts are the sole cash crop. Copra and fresh coconuts are the major export earners. Small local gardens and fishing contribute to the food supply, but additional food and most other necessities must be imported from Australia. GDP: $NA, per capita $NA; real growth rate NA% Inflation rate (consumer prices): NA% Budget: revenues $NA; expenditures $NA, including capital expenditures of $NA Exports: $NA commodities: copra partners: Australia Imports: $NA commodities: foodstuffs partners: Australia External debt: $NA Industrial production: growth rate NA% Electricity: 1,000 kW capacity; 2 million kWh produced, 2,980 kWh per capita (1990) Industries: copra products Agriculture: gardens provide vegetables, bananas, pawpaws, coconuts Economic aid: none Currency: Australian dollar (plural - dollars); 1 Australian dollar ($A) = 100 cents Exchange rates: Australian dollars ($A) per US$1 - 1.3360 (January 1992), 1.2836 (1991), 1.2799 (1990), 1.2618 (1989), 1.2752 (1988), 1.4267 (1987) Fiscal year: 1 July - 30 June :Cocos Islands 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; broadcast stations - 1 AM, no FM, no TV :Cocos Islands 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; Brazil 1,643 km, Ecuador 590 km, Panama 225 km, Peru 2,900, Venezuela 2,050 km Coastline: 3,208 km; Caribbean Sea 1,760 km, North Pacific Ocean 1,448 km Maritime claims: Continental shelf: not specified Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: maritime boundary dispute with Venezuela in the Gulf of Venezuela; territorial dispute with Nicaragua over Archipelago de San Andres y Providencia and Quita Sueno Bank Climate: tropical along coast and eastern plains; cooler in highlands Terrain: flat coastal lowlands, central highlands, high Andes mountains, eastern lowland plains Natural resources: 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 :Colombia People Population: 34,296,941 (July 1992), growth rate 1.9% (1992) Birth rate: 24 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 5 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: NEGL migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 31 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 69 years male, 74 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 2.6 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Colombian(s); adjective - Colombian Ethnic divisions: mestizo 58%, white 20%, mulatto 14%, black 4%, mixed black-Indian 3%, Indian 1% Religions: Roman Catholic 95% Languages: Spanish Literacy: 87% (male 88%, female 86%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) Labor force: 12,000,000 (1990); services 46%, agriculture 30%, industry 24% (1990) Organized labor: 984,000 members (1989), about 8.2% 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) :Colombia 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 nationally elected lower chamber or House 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; Social Conservative Party (PCS), Misael PASTRANA Borrero; National Salvation Movement (MSN), Alvaro GOMEZ Hurtado; Democratic Alliance M-19 (AD/M-19) is headed by 19th of April Movement (M-19) leader Antonio NAVARRO Wolf, coalition of small leftist parties and dissident liberals and conservatives; Patriotic Union (UP) is a legal political party formed by Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) and Colombian Communist Party (PCC), Carlos ROMERO 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 27 October 1991 (next to be held March 1994); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (102 total) Liberal 58, Conservative 22, AD/M-19 9, MSN 5, UP 1, others 7 :Colombia Government House of Representatives: last held 27 October 1991 (next to be held March 1994); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (161 total) Liberal 87, Conservative 31, AD/M-19 13, MSN 10, UP 3, other 17 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, WFTU, 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, Los Angeles, and Tampa US: Ambassador Morris D. BUSBY; Embassy at Calle 38, No. 8-61, Bogota (mailing address is P. O. Box A. A. 3831, Bogota or APO AA 34038); telephone [57] (1) 285-1300 or 1688; FAX [571] 288-5687; 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 :Colombia Economy Overview: Economic development has slowed gradually since 1986, but growth rates remain high by Latin American standards. Conservative economic policies have kept inflation and unemployment near 30% and 10%, respectively. The rapid development of oil, coal, and other nontraditional industries 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 have dampened growth, but significant economic reforms are likely to facilitate a resurgent economy in the medium term. These reforms center on fiscal restraint, trade liberalization, and privatization of state utilities and commercial banks. GDP: exchange rate conversion - $45 billion, per capita $1,300; real growth rate 3.7% (1990 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 26.8% (1991) Unemployment rate: 10.5% (1991) Budget: revenues $4.39 billion; current expenditures $3.93 billion, capital expenditures $1.03 billion (1989 est.) Exports: $7.5 billion (f.o.b., 1991) commodities: petroleum (19%), coffee, coal, bananas, fresh cut flowers partners: US 40%, EC 21%, Japan 5%, Netherlands 4%, Sweden 3% Imports: $6.1 billion (c.i.f., 1991) commodities: industrial equipment, transportation equipment, foodstuffs, chemicals, paper products partners: US 36%, EC 16%, Brazil 4%, Venezuela 3%, Japan 3% External debt: $17.0 billion (1991) Industrial production: growth rate 1% (1991 est.); accounts for 21% of GDP Electricity: 9,624,000 kW capacity; 38,856 million kWh produced, 1,150 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: textiles, food processing, oil, clothing and footwear, beverages, chemicals, metal products, cement; mining - gold, coal, emeralds, iron, nickel, silver, salt Agriculture: growth rate 3% (1991 est.) accounts for 22% of GDP; crops make up two-thirds and livestock one-third of agricultural output; climate and soils permit a wide variety of crops, such as coffee, rice, tobacco, corn, sugarcane, cocoa beans, oilseeds, vegetables; forest products and shrimp farming are becoming more important Illicit drugs: illicit producer of cannabis, coca, and opium; about 37,500 hectares of coca under cultivation; major supplier of cocaine to the US and other international drug markets :Colombia Economy Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $1.6 billion; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $3.3 billion, Communist countries (1970-89), $399 million Currency: Colombian peso (plural - pesos); 1 Colombian peso (Col$) = 100 centavos Exchange rates: Colombian pesos (Col$) per US$1 - 711.88 (January 1992), 633.08 (1991), 550.00 (1990), 435.00 (1989), 336.00 (1988), 242.61 (1987) Fiscal year: calendar year :Colombia Communications Railroads: 3,386 km; 3,236 km 0.914-meter gauge, single track (2,611 km in use), 150 km 1. 435-meter gauge Highways: 75,450 km total; 9,350 km paved, 66,100 km earth and gravel surfaces Inland waterways: 14,300 km, navigable by river boats Pipelines: crude oil 3,585 km; petroleum products 1,350 km; natural gas 830 km; natural gas liquids 125 km Ports: Barranquilla, Buenaventura, Cartagena, Covenas, San Andres, Santa Marta, Tumaco Merchant marine: 31 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 289,794 GRT/443,369 DWT; includes 9 cargo, 1 chemical tanker, 3 petroleum tanker, 8 bulk, 10 container; note - in addition, 2 naval tankers are sometimes used commercially Civil air: 83 major transport aircraft Airports: 1,167 total, 1,023 usable; 70 with permanent-surface runways; 1 with runways over 3,659 m; 8 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 191 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: nationwide radio relay system; 1,890,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 413 AM, no FM, 33 TV, 28 shortwave; 2 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth stations and 11 domestic satellite earth stations :Colombia Defense Forces Branches: Army (Ejercito Nacional), Navy (Armada Nacional, including Marines), Air Force (Fuerza Aerea de Colombia), National Police (Policia Nacional) Manpower availability: males 15-49, 9,214,691; 6,240,601 fit for military service; 353,691 reach military age (18) annually Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $624 million, 1.4% of GDP (1991) :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 :Comoros People Population: 493,853 (July 1992), growth rate 3.5% (1992) Birth rate: 47 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 12 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 84 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 55 years male, 59 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 6.9 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Comoran(s); adjective - Comoran Ethnic divisions: Antalote, Cafre, Makoa, Oimatsaha, Sakalava Religions: Sunni Muslim 86%, Roman Catholic 14% Languages: official languages are Arabic and French but majority of population speak Comoran, a blend of Swahili and Arabic 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 :Comoros Government Long-form name: Federal Islamic Republic of the Comoros Type: independent republic Capital: Moroni Administrative divisions: three islands; Njazidja, Nzwani, and Mwali, formerly Grand Comore, Anjouan, and Moheli respectively; note - there are also four municipalities named Domoni, Fomboni, Moroni, and Mutsamudu Independence: 31 December 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); coordinator of National Unity Government (de facto prime minister) - Mohamed Taki ABDULKARIM (1 January 1992) Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: 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 President: last held 11 March 1990 (next to be held March 1996); results - Said Mohamed DJOHAR (Udzima) 55%, Mohamed TAKI Abdulkarim (UNDC) 45% 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) :Comoros Economy Overview: One of the world's poorest countries, Comoros is made up of several islands that have poor transportation links, a young and rapidly increasing population, and few natural resources. The low educational level of the labor force contributes to a low level of economic activity, high unemployment, and a heavy dependence on foreign grants and technical assistance. Agriculture, including fishing, hunting, and forestry, is the leading sector of the economy. It contributes about 34% to GDP, employs 80% of the labor force, and provides most of the exports. The country is not self-sufficient in food production, and rice, the main staple, accounts for 90% of imports. During the period 1982-86 the industrial sector grew at an annual average rate of 5.3%, but its contribution to GDP was only 5% in 1988. Despite major investment in the tourist industry, which accounts for about 25% of GDP, growth has stagnated since 1983. A sluggish growth rate of 1.5% during 1985-90 has led to large budget deficits, declining incomes, and balance-of-payments difficulties. Preliminary estimates for 1991 show a moderate increase in the growth rate based on increased exports, tourism, and government investment outlays. GDP: exchange rate conversion - $260 million, per capita $540; real growth rate 2.7% (1991 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 4.0% (1991 est.) 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, ylang-ylang partners: US 53%, France 41%, Africa 4%, FRG 2% (1988) Imports: $41 million (f.o.b., 1990 est.) commodities: rice and other foodstuffs, cement, petroleum products, consumer goods partners: Europe 62% (France 22%), Africa 5%, Pakistan, China (1988) External debt: $196 million (1991 est.) Industrial production: growth rate 3.4% (1988 est.); accounts for 5% of GDP Electricity: 16,000 kW capacity; 25 million kWh produced, 50 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: perfume distillation, textiles, furniture, jewelry, construction materials, soft drinks Agriculture: accounts for 34% 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 :Comoros Economy Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY80-89), $10 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $435 million; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $22 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $18 million Currency: Comoran franc (plural - francs); 1 Comoran franc (CF) = 100 centimes Exchange rates: Comoran francs (CF) per US$1 - 269.01 (January 1992), 282.11 (1991), 272.26 (1990), 319.01 (1989), 297.85 (1988), 300.54 (1987); note - linked to the French franc at 50 to 1 French franc Fiscal year: calendar year :Comoros Communications Highways: 750 km total; about 210 km bituminous, remainder crushed stone or gravel Ports: Mutsamudu, Moroni Civil air: 1 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; broadcast stations - 2 AM, 1 FM, no TV :Comoros Defense Forces Branches: Comoran Security Forces (FCS), Federal Gendarmerie (GFC) Manpower availability: males 15-49, 105,022; 62,808 fit for military service Defense expenditures: $NA, NA of GDP :Congo Geography Total area: 342,000 km2 Land area: 341,500 km2 Comparative area: slightly smaller than Montana Land boundaries: 5,504 km; Angola 201 km, Cameroon 523 km, Central African Republic 467 km, Gabon 1,903 km, Zaire 2,410 km Coastline: 169 km Maritime claims: Territorial sea: 200 nm 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 :Congo People Population: 2,376,687 (July 1992), growth rate 2.9% (1992) Birth rate: 42 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 13 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 109 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 53 years male, 56 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 5.7 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Congolese (singular and plural); 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 Religions: Christian 50%, animist 48%, Muslim 2% Languages: 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.) :Congo Government Long-form name: Republic of the Congo Type: republic Capital: Brazzaville Administrative divisions: 9 regions (regions, singular - region) and 1 commune*; Bouenza, Brazzaville*, Cuvette, Kouilou, Lekoumou, Likouala, Niari, Plateaux, Pool, Sangha Independence: 15 August 1960 (from France; formerly Congo/Brazzaville) Constitution: 8 July 1979, currently being modified Legal system: based on French civil law system and customary law National holiday: Congolese National Day, 15 August (1960) Executive branch: president, prime minister, Council of Ministers (cabinet) Legislative branch: a transitional National Assembly Judicial branch: Supreme Court (Cour Supreme) Leaders: Chief of State: President Denis SASSOU-NGUESSO (since 8 February 1979); stripped of most powers by National Conference in May 1991 Head of Government: Prime Minister Andre MILONGO (since May 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: National Assembly: transitional body selected by National Conference in May 1991; election for new legislative body to be held spring 1992 President: last held 26-31 July 1989 (next to be held June 1992); results - President SASSOU-NGUESSO unanimously reelected leader of the PCT by the Party Congress, which automatically made him president Communists: small 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 :Congo Government US: Ambassador James Daniel PHILLIPS; Embassy at Avenue Amilcar Cabral, Brazzaville (mailing address is B. P. 1015, Brazzaville, or Box C, APO AE 09828); telephone (242) 83-20-70; FAX [242] 83-63-38 Flag: red, divided diagonally from the lower hoist side by a yellow band; the upper triangle (hoist side) is green and the lower triangle is red; uses the popular pan-African colors of Ethiopia :Congo Economy Overview: Congo's economy is a mixture of village agriculture and handicrafts, a beginning industrial sector based largely on oil, supporting services, and a government characterized by budget problems and overstaffing. A reform program, supported by the IMF and World Bank, ran into difficulties in 1990-91 because of problems in changing to a democratic political regime and a heavy debt-servicing burden. Oil has supplanted forestry as the mainstay of the economy, providing about two-thirds of government revenues and exports. In the early 1980s rapidly rising oil revenues enabled Congo to finance large-scale development projects with growth averaging 5% annually, one of the highest rates in Africa. During the period 1987-91, however, growth has slowed to an average of roughly 1.5% annually, only half the population growth rate. GDP: exchange rate conversion - $2.4 billion, per capita $1,070; real growth rate 0.5% (1990 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: 140,000 kW capacity; 315 million kWh produced, 135 kWh per capita (1991) 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 (1970-89), $2.3 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 :Congo Economy Exchange rates: Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (CFAF) per US$1 - 269.01 (January 1992), 282.11 (1991), 272.26 (1990), 319.01 (1989), 297.85 (1988), 300.54 (1987) Fiscal year: calendar year :Congo Communications Railroads: 797 km, 1.067-meter gauge, single track (includes 285 km that are privately owned) Highways: 11,960 km total; 560 km paved; 850 km gravel and laterite; 5,350 km improved earth; 5,200 km unimproved earth Inland waterways: the Congo and Ubangi (Oubangui) Rivers provide 1,120 km of commercially navigable water transport; the rest are used for local traffic only Pipelines: crude oil 25 km Ports: Pointe-Noire (ocean port), Brazzaville (river port) Civil air: 4 major transport aircraft Airports: 46 total, 42 usable; 6 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 1 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 17 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; broadcast stations - 4 AM, 1 FM, 4 TV; 1 Atlantic Ocean satellite earth station :Congo Defense Forces Branches: Army, Navy (including Naval Infantry), Air Force, National Police Manpower availability: males 15-49, 526,058; 267,393 fit for military service; 23,884 reach military age (20) annually Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $100 million, 4.6% of GDP (1987 est.) :Cook Islands 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 Disputes: none Climate: tropical; moderated by trade winds Terrain: low coral atolls in north; volcanic, hilly islands in south Natural resources: negligible Land use: arable land 4%; permanent crops 22%; meadows and pastures 0%; forest and woodland 0%; other 74% Environment: subject to typhoons from November to March Note: located 4,500 km south of Hawaii in the South Pacific Ocean :Cook Islands People Population: 17,977 (July 1992), growth rate 0.5% (1992) Birth rate: 22 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 6 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: -10 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 25 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 69 years male, 73 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 3.0 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Cook Islander(s); adjective - Cook Islander Ethnic divisions: Polynesian (full blood) 81.3%, Polynesian and European 7.7%, Polynesian and other 7.7%, European 2.4%, other 0.9% Religions: Christian, majority of populace members of Cook Islands Christian Church Languages: English (official); Maori Literacy: NA% (male NA%, female NA%) Labor force: 5,810; agriculture 29%, government 27%, services 25%, industry 15%, and other 4% (1981) Organized labor: NA :Cook Islands 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: Constitution Day, 4 August Executive branch: British monarch, representative of the UK, representative of New Zealand, prime minister, deputy prime minister, Cabinet Legislative branch: unicameral Parliament; note - the House of Arikis (chiefs) advises on traditional matters, but has no legislative powers Judicial branch: High Court Leaders: Chief of State: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); Representative of the UK Sir Tangaroa TANGAROA (since NA); Representative of New Zealand Adrian SINCOCK (since NA) Head of Government: Prime Minister Geoffrey HENRY (since 1 February 1989); Deputy Prime Minister Inatio AKARURU (since February 1989) Political parties and leaders: Cook Islands Party, Geoffrey HENRY; Democratic Tumu Party, Vincent INGRAM; Democratic Party, Terepai MAOATE; Cook Islands Labor Party, Rena JONASSEN; Cook Islands People's Party, Sadaraka SADARAKA Suffrage: universal adult at age NA Elections: Parliament: last held 19 January 1989 (next to be held by January 1994); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (24 total) Cook Islands Party 12, Democratic Tumu Party 2, opposition coalition (including Democratic Party) 9, independent 1 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 :Cook Islands Economy Overview: Agriculture provides the economic base. The major export earners are fruit, copra, and clothing. Manufacturing activities are limited to a fruit-processing plant and several clothing factories. Economic development is hindered by the isolation of the islands from foreign markets and a lack of natural resources and good transportation links. A large trade deficit is annually made up for by remittances from emigrants and from foreign aid. Current economic development plans call for exploiting the tourism potential and expanding the fishing industry. GDP: exchange rate conversion - $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 - 1.8502 (January 1992), 1.7266 (1991), 1.6750 (1990), 1.6711 (1989), 1.5244 (1988), 1.6886 (1987) Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March :Cook Islands Communications Highways: 187 km total (1980); 35 km paved, 35 km gravel, 84 km improved earth, 33 km unimproved earth Ports: Avatiu Merchant marine: 1 cargo ship (1,000 or over) totaling 1,464 GRT/2,181 DWT Civil air: no major transport aircraft Airports: 6 total, 6 usable; 1 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 2,439 m; 4 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: broadcast stations - 2 AM, no FM, no TV; 10,000 radio receivers; 2,052 telephones; 1 Pacific Ocean INTELSAT earth station :Cook Islands Defense Forces Note: defense is the responsibility of New Zealand :Coral Sea Islands Geography Total area: less than 3 km2 Land area: less than 3 km2; 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 Disputes: none Climate: tropical Terrain: sand and coral reefs and islands (or cays) Natural resources: negligible Land use: arable land 0%; permanent crops 0%; meadows and pastures 0%; forest and woodland 0%; other, 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 :Coral Sea Islands People Population: 3 meteorologists (1992) :Coral Sea Islands 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 Capital: none; administered from Canberra, Australia Flag: the flag of Australia is used :Coral Sea Islands Economy Overview: no economic activity :Coral Sea Islands Communications Ports: none; offshore anchorages only :Coral Sea Islands Defense Forces Note: defense is the responsibility of Australia; visited regularly by the Royal Australian Navy; Australia has control over the activities of visitors :Costa Rica Geography 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; 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 Disputes: none Climate: tropical; dry season (December to April); rainy season (May to November) Terrain: coastal plains separated by rugged mountains Natural resources: hydropower potential Land use: arable land 6%; permanent crops 7%; meadows and pastures 45%; forest and woodland 34%; other 8%; 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 :Costa Rica People Population: 3,187,085 (July 1992), growth rate 2.4% (1992) Birth rate: 27 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 4 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 1 migrant/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 12 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 75 years male, 79 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 3.2 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Costa Rican(s); adjective - Costa Rican Ethnic divisions: white (including mestizo) 96%, black 2%, Indian 1%, Chinese 1% Religions: Roman Catholic 95% Languages: Spanish (official), English spoken around Puerto Limon Literacy: 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 :Costa Rica 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), Carlos Manuel CASTILLO Morales; Social Christian Unity Party (PUSC), Rafael Angel CALDERON Fournier; Marxist Popular Vanguard Party (PVP), Humberto VARGAS Carbonell; New Republic Movement (MNR), Sergio Erick ARDON Ramirez; Progressive Party (PP), Isaac Felipe AZOFEIFA Bolanos; People's Party of Costa Rica (PPC), Lenin CHACON Vargas; Radical Democratic Party (PRD), Juan Jose ECHEVERRIA Brealey Suffrage: universal and compulsory at age 18 Elections: Legislative Assembly: last held 4 February 1990 (next to be held February 1994); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (57 total) PUSC 29, PLN 25, PVP/PPC 1, regional parties 2 President: last held 4 February 1990 (next to be held February 1994); results - Rafael Angel CALDERON Fournier 51%, Carlos Manuel CASTILLO 47% 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) :Costa Rica Government Member of: AG (observer), BCIE, CACM, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ITU, LAES, 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, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, San Diego, San Francisco, and San Juan (Puerto Rico), and a Consulate in Buffalo US: Ambassador Luis GUINOT, Jr.; Embassy at Pavas Road, San Jose (mailing address is APO AA 34020); telephone [506] 20-39-39 FAX (506) 20-2305 Flag: five horizontal bands of blue (top), white, red (double width), white, and blue, with the coat of arms in a white disk on the hoist side of the red band :Costa Rica Economy Overview: In 1991 the economy grew at an estimated 2.5%, down somewhat from the 3.6% gain of 1990 and below the strong 5.5% gain of 1989. Increases in agricultural production (on the strength of good coffee and banana crops) and in construction have been offset by lower rates of growth for industry. In 1991 consumer prices rose by 27%, about the same as in 1990. The trade deficit of $270 million was substantially below the 1990 deficit of $677 million. Unemployment is officially reported at 4.6%, but much underemployment remains. External debt, on a per capita basis, is among the world's highest. GDP: exchange rate conversion - $5.9 billion, per capita $1,900; real growth rate 2.5% (1991 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 27% (1991 est.) Unemployment rate: 4.6% (1991) Budget: revenues $831 million; expenditures $1.08 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA (1990 est.) Exports: $1.5 billion (f.o.b., 1991 est.) commodities: coffee, bananas, textiles, sugar partners: US 75%, Germany, Guatemala, Netherlands, UK, Japan Imports: $1.8 billion (c.i.f., 1991 est.) commodities: petroleum, machinery, consumer durables, chemicals, fertilizer, foodstuffs partners: US 40%, Japan, Guatemala, Germany External debt: $4.5 billion (1990) Industrial production: growth rate 2.3% (1990 est.); accounts for 23% of GDP Electricity: 927,000 kW capacity; 3,408 million kWh produced, 1,095 kWh per capita (1991) 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 (1970-89), $935 million; Communist countries (1971-89), $27 million Currency: Costa Rican colon (plural - colones); 1 Costa Rican colon (C) = 100 centimos Exchange rates: Costa Rican colones (C) per US$1 - 136.35 (January 1992), 122.43 (1991), 91.58 (1990), 81.504 (1989), 75.805 (1988), 62.776 (1987) :Costa Rica Economy Fiscal year: calendar year :Costa Rica Communications Railroads: 950 km total, all 1.067-meter gauge; 260 km electrified Highways: 15,400 km total; 7,030 km paved, 7,010 km gravel, 1,360 km unimproved earth Inland waterways: about 730 km, seasonally navigable Pipelines: petroleum products 176 km Ports: Puerto Limon, Caldera, Golfito, Moin, Puntarenas Merchant marine: 1 cargo ship (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 2,878 GRT/4,506 DWT Civil air: 11 major transport aircraft Airports: 164 total, 149 usable; 28 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 1 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 10 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: very good domestic telephone service; 292,000 telephones; connection into Central American Microwave System; broadcast stations - 71 AM, no FM, 18 TV, 13 shortwave; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station :Costa Rica Defense Forces Branches: Civil Guard, Rural Assistance Guard; note - Constitution prohibits armed forces Manpower availability: males 15-49, 829,576; 559,575 fit for military service; 31,828 reach military age (18) annually Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $22 million, 0.5% of GDP (1989) :Croatia Geography Total area: 56,538 km2 Land area: 56,410 km2 Comparative area: slightly smaller than West Virginia Land boundaries: 1,843 km; Bosnia and Hercegovina (east) 751 km, Bosnia and Hercegovina (southeast) 91 km, Hungary 292 km, Serbia and Montenegro 254 km, Slovenia 455 km Coastline: 5,790 km; mainland 1,778 km, islands 4,012 km Maritime claims: Contiguous zone: NA nm Continental shelf: 200-meter depth or to depth of exploitation Exclusive economic zone: 12 nm Exclusive fishing zone: 12 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: Serbian enclaves in eastern Slavonia and along the western Bosnia and Hercegovinian border; dispute with Slovenia over fishing rights in Adriatic Climate: Mediterranean and continental; continental climate predominant with hot summers and cold winters; mild winters, dry summers along coast Terrain: geographically diverse; flat plains along Hungarian border, low mountains and highlands near Adriatic coast, coastline, and islands Natural resources: oil, some coal, bauxite, low-grade iron ore, calcium, natural asphalt, silica, mica, clays, salt, fruit, livestock Land use: 32% arable land; 20% permanent crops; 18% meadows and pastures; 15% forest and woodland; 9% other; includes 5% irrigated Environment: air pollution from metallurgical plants; damaged forest; coastal pollution from industrial and domestic waste; subject to frequent and destructive earthquakes Note: controls most land routes from Western Europe to Aegean Sea and Turkish Straits :Croatia People Population: 4,784,000 (July 1991), growth rate 0.39% (for the period 1981-91) Birth rate: 12.2 births/1,000 population (1991) Death rate: 11.3 deaths/1,000 population (1991) Net migration rate: NA migrants/1,000 population (1991) Infant mortality rate: 10 deaths/1,000 live births (1990) Life expectancy at birth: 67 years male, 74 years female (1980-82) Total fertility rate: NA children born/woman (1991) Nationality: noun - Croat(s); adjective - Croatian Ethnic divisions: Croat 78%, Serb 12%, Muslims 0.9%, Hungarian 0.5%, Slovenian 0.5%, others 7.8% Religions: Catholic 76.5%, Orthodox 11.1%, Slavic Muslim 1.2%, Protestant 1.4%, others and unknown 11% Languages: Serbo-Croatian 96% Literacy: 96.5% (male 98.6%, female 94.5%) age 10 and over can read and write (1991 census) Labor force: 1,509,489; industry and mining 37%, agriculture 4%, government NA%, other Organized labor: NA :Croatia Government Long-form name: None Type: parliamentary democracy Capital: Zagreb Administrative divisions: 102 districts (opcine, singular - opcina) Independence: June 1991 from Yugoslavia Constitution: promulgated on 22 December 1990 Legal system: based on civil law system; judicial/no judicial review of legislative acts; does/does not accept compulsory ICJ jurisdiction National holiday: 30 May, Statehood Day (1990) Executive branch: president, prime minister Legislative branch: bicameral Judicial branch: Supreme Court, Constitutional Court Leaders: Chief of State: President Franjo TUDJMAN (since April 1990), Vice President NA (since NA) Head of Government: Prime Minister Franjo GREGURIC (since August 1991), Deputy Prime Minister Mila RAMLJAK (since NA ) Political parties and leaders: Christian Democratic Union, TUDJMAN; Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ), Stjepan Mesic; Croatian National Party, Savka DABCEVIC-KUCAR; Croatian Christian Democratic Party (HKDS), Ivan CESAR; Croatian Party of Rights, Dobroslav Paraga; Croatian Social Liberal Party (HSLS), Drazen BUDISA Suffrage: at age 16 if employed, universal at age 18 Elections: Parliament: last held May 1990 (next to be held NA); results - HDZ won 205 seats; seats - 349 (total) President: NA Other political or pressure groups: NA Member of: CSCE Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Dr. Franc Vinko GOLEM, Office of Republic of Croatia, 256 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20036; telephone (202) 543-5586 US: Ambassador NA; Embassy at NA (mailing address is APO New York is 09862); telephone NA Flag: red, white, and blue with Croatian coat of arms (red and white checkered) :Croatia Economy Overview: Before the political disintegration of Yugoslavia, the republic of Croatia stood next to Slovenia as the most prosperous and industrialized area, with a per capita output roughly comparable to that of Portugal and perhaps one-third above the Yugoslav average. Serbia and the Serb-dominated army of the old Yugoslavia, however, have seized Croatian territory, and the overriding determinant of Croatia's long-term economic prospects will be the final border settlement. Under the most favorable circumstances, Croatia will retain the Dalmatian coast with its major tourist attractions and Slavonia with its oilfields and rich agricultural land. Even so, Croatia would face monumental problems stemming from: the legacy of longtime Communist mismanagement of the economy; large foreign debt; damage during the fighting to bridges, factories, powerlines, buildings, and houses; and the disruption of economic ties to Serbia and the other former Yugoslav republics. At the minimum, extensive Western aid and investment, especially in the tourist and oil industries, would seem necessary to salvage a desperate economic situation. However, peace and political stability must come first. GDP: NA - $26.3 billion, per capita $5,600; real growth rate -25% (1991 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 14.3% (March 1992) Unemployment rate: 20% (December 1991) Budget: revenues $NA million; expenditures $NA million, including capital expenditures of $NA million Exports: $2.9 billion (1990) commodities: machinery and transport equipment (30%), other manufacturers (37%), chemicals (11%), food and live animals (9%), raw materials (6.5%), fuels and lubricants (5%) partners: principally the other former Yugoslav republics Imports: $4.4 billion (1990) commodities: machinery and transport equipment (21%), fuels and lubricants (19%), food and live animals (16%), chemicals (14%), manufactured goods (13%), miscellaneous manufactured articles (9%), raw materials (6.5%), beverages and tobacco (1%) partners: principally other former Yugoslav republics External debt: $2.6 billion (may assume some part of foreign debt of former Yugoslavia) Industrial production: declined as much as 11% in 1990 and probably another 29% in 1991 Electricity: 3,570,000 kW capacity; 8,830 million kWh produced, 1,855 kWh per capita 1991) Industries: chemicals and plastics, machine tools, fabricated metal, electronics, pig iron and rolled steel products, aluminum reduction, paper, wood products (including furniture), building materials (including cement), textiles, shipbuilding, petroleum and petroleum refining, food processing and beverages :Croatia Economy Agriculture: Croatia normally produces a food surplus; most agricultural land in private hands and concentrated in Croat-majority districts in Slavonia and Istria; much of Slavonia's land has been put out of production by fighting; wheat, corn, sugar beets, sunflowers, alfalfa, and clover are main crops in Slavonia; central Croatian highlands are less fertile but support cereal production, orchards, vineyards, livestock breeding, and dairy farming; coastal areas and offshore islands grow olives, citrus fruits, and vegetables Economic aid: NA Currency: Croatian dinar(s) Exchange rates: Croatian dinar per US $1 - 60.00 (April 1992) Fiscal year: calendar year :Croatia Communications Railroads: 2,698 km (34.5% electrified) Highways: 32,071 km total (1990); 23,305 km paved, 8,439 km gravel, 327 km earth Inland waterways: 785 km perennially navigable Pipelines: crude oil 670 km, petroleum products 20 km, natural gas 310 km Ports: maritime - Rijeka, Split, Kardeljevo (Ploce); inland - Vukovar, Osijek, Sisak, Vinkovci Merchant marine: 11 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 60,802 GRT/65,560 DWT; includes 1 cargo, 3 roll-on/roll-off, 5 passenger ferries, 2 bulk carriers; note - also controlled by Croatian shipowners are 196 ships (1,000 GRT or over) under flags of convenience - primarily Malta and St. Vincent - totaling 2,593,429 GRT/4,101,119 DWT; includes 91 general cargo, 7 roll-on/ roll-off, 6 refrigerated cargo, 13 container ships, 3 multifunction large load carriers, 52 bulk carriers, 3 passenger ships, 11 petroleum tankers, 4 chemical tankers, 6 service vessels Civil air: NA major transport aircraft Airports: 8 total, NA usable; NA with permanent-surface runways; NA with runways over 3,659 m; 7 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; NA with runways 1,220-2,439 m; 1 with runways 900 m Telecommunications: 350,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 14 AM, 8 FM, 12 (2 repeaters) TV; 1,100,000 radios; 1,027,000 TVs; NA submarine coaxial cables; satellite ground stations - none :Croatia Defense Forces Branches: Ground Forces, Naval Forces, Air and Air Defense Forces, Frontier Guard, Home Guard, Civil Defense Manpower availability: males 15-49, 1,188,576; NA fit for military service; 42,664 reach military age (18) annually Defense expenditures: $NA, NA% of GDP :Cuba Geography Total area: 110,860 km2 Land area: 110,860 km2 Comparative area: slightly smaller than Pennsylvania Land boundaries: 29.1 km; US Naval Base at Guantanamo 29.1 km note: Guantanamo is leased and as such remains part of Cuba Coastline: 3,735 km Maritime claims: Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm 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 :Cuba People Population: 10,846,821 (July 1992), growth rate 1.0% (1992) Birth rate: 17 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 6 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: -1 migrant/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 11 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 74 years male, 79 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 1.8 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Cuban(s); adjective - Cuban Ethnic divisions: mulatto 51%, white 37%, black 11%, Chinese 1% Religions: 85% nominally Roman Catholic before Castro assumed power Languages: 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 :Cuba 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: Rebellion Day, 26 July (1953) 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 (Tribunal Supremo Popular) Leaders: Chief of State and Head of Government: President of the Council of State and President of the Council of Ministers Fidel CASTRO Ruz (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 December 1986 (next to be held before December 1992); results - PCC is the only party; seats - (510 total) indirectly elected Communists: about 600,000 full and candidate members Member of: CCC, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, GATT, IAEA, IBEC, ICAO, IFAD, ILO, IMO, INTERPOL, IOC, ISO, ITU, LAES, LORCS, NAM, OAS (excluded from formal participation since 1962), 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; position vacant since March 1992; 2630 and 2639 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009; telephone (202) 797-8518 or 8519, 8520, 8609, 8610 :Cuba Government US: protecting power in Cuba is Switzerland - US Interests Section, Swiss Embassy; Principal Officer Alan H. FLANIGAN; Calzada entre L Y M, Vedado Seccion, Havana (mailing address is USINT, Swiss Embassy, Havana, Calzada Entre L Y M, Vedado); telephone 32-0051, 32-0543 Flag: five equal horizontal bands of blue (top and bottom) alternating with white; a red equilateral triangle based on the hoist side bears a white five-pointed star in the center :Cuba Economy Overview: The economy, centrally planned and largely state owned, is highly dependent on the agricultural sector and foreign trade. Sugar provided about two-thirds of export revenues in 1991, and over half was exported to the former Soviet republics. 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 5% largely as a result of declining trade with the former 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 and in industrial plants idled by falling imports from the former Soviet Union. Other investment priorities include sugar, basic foods, and nickel. The annual Soviet subsidy dropped from $4 billion in 1990 to about $1 billion in 1991 because of a lower price paid for Cuban sugar and a sharp decline in Soviet exports to Cuba. The former Soviet republics have indicated they will no longer extend aid to Cuba beginning in 1992. Instead of highly subsidized trade, Cuba has been shifting to trade at market prices in convertible currencies. Because of increasingly severe shortages of fuels, industrial raw materials, and spare parts, aggregate output dropped by one-fifth in 1991. GNP: $17 billion, per capita $1,580; real growth rate -20% (1991 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): NA% Budget: revenues $12.46 billion; expenditures $14.45 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA (1990 est.) Exports: $3.6 billion (f.o.b., 1991 est.) commodities: sugar, nickel, medical products, shellfish, citrus, tobacco, coffee partners: former USSR 63%, China 6%, Canada 4%, Japan 4% (1991 est.) Imports: $3.7 billion (c.i.f., 1991 est.) commodities: petroleum, capital goods, industrial raw materials, food partners: former USSR 47%, Spain 8%, China 6%, Argentina 5%, Italy 4%, Mexico 3% (1991 est.) External debt: $6.8 billion (convertible currency, July 1989) Industrial production: growth rate 0%; accounts for 45% of GDP (1989) Electricity: 3,889,000 kW capacity; 16,272 million kWh produced, 1,516 kWh per capita (1991) 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) :Cuba Economy Economic aid: Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $710 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 :Cuba Communications Railroads: 12,947 km total; Cuban National Railways operates 5,053 km of 1.435-meter gauge track; 151.7 km electrified; 7,742 km of sugar plantation lines of 0.914-m and 1.435-m gauge Highways: 26,477 km total; 14,477 km paved, 12,000 km gravel and earth surfaced (1989 est.) Inland waterways: 240 km Ports: Cienfuegos, Havana, Mariel, Matanzas, Santiago de Cuba; 7 secondary, 35 minor Merchant marine: 77 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 537,464 GRT/755,824 DWT; includes 46 cargo, 10 refrigerated cargo, 1 cargo/training, 11 petroleum tanker, 1 chemical tanker, 4 liquefied gas, 4 bulk; note - Cuba beneficially owns an additional 45 ships (1,000 GRT and over) totaling 574,047 DWT under the registry of Panama, Cyprus, and Malta Civil air: 88 major transport aircraft Airports: 189 total, 167 usable; 73 with permanent-surface runways; 3 with runways over 3,659 m; 12 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 18 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: broadcast stations - 150 AM, 5 FM, 58 TV; 1,530,000 TVs; 2,140,000 radios; 229,000 telephones; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station :Cuba Defense Forces Branches: Revolutionary Armed Forces (including Ground Forces, Revolutionary Navy (MGR), Air and Air Defense Force[DAAFR]), Ministry of Interior and Ministry of Defense Special Troops, Border Guard Troops, Territorial Militia Troops, Youth Labor Army, Civil Defense, National Revolutionary Police Manpower availability: eligible 15-49, 6,130,641; of the 3,076,276 males 15-49, 1,925,648 are fit for military service; of the 3,054,365 females 15-49, 1,907,281 are fit for military service; 97,973 males and 94,514 females reach military age (17) annually Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $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) :Cyprus People Population: 716,492 (July 1992), growth rate 1.0% (1992) Birth rate: 18 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 8 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 10 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 74 years male, 78 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 2.4 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Cypriot(s); adjective - Cypriot Ethnic divisions: Greek 78%; Turkish 18%; other 4% Religions: Greek Orthodox 78%, Muslim 18%, Maronite, Armenian, Apostolic, and other 4% Languages: Greek, Turkish, English Literacy: 90% (male 96%, female 85%) age 10 and over can read and write (1976) Labor force: Greek area - 278,000; services 45%, industry 35%, agriculture 14%; Turkish area - 71,500 (1990); services 21%, industry 30%, agriculture 27% Organized labor: 156,000 (1985 est.) :Cyprus 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 (TRNC), which has been recognized only by Turkey; both sides publicly call for the resolution of intercommunal differences and creation of a new federal system of government Capital: Nicosia Administrative divisions: 6 districts; Famagusta, Kyrenia, Larnaca, Limassol, Nicosia, Paphos Independence: 16 August 1960 (from UK) Constitution: 16 August 1960; negotiations to create the basis for a new or revised constitution to govern the island and to better relations between Greek and Turkish Cypriots have been held intermittently; in 1975 Turkish Cypriots created their own Constitution and governing bodies within the Turkish Federated State of Cyprus, which was renamed the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus in 1983; a new Constitution for the Turkish area passed by referendum in May 1985 Legal system: based on common law, with civil law modifications National holiday: Independence Day, 1 October (15 November is celebrated as Independence Day in the Turkish area) 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), Glafkos KLERIDES; Democratic Party (DEKO), Spyros KYPRIANOU; United Democratic Union of the Center (EDEK), Vassos LYSSARIDES; Socialist Democratic Renewal Movement (ADESOK), Mikhalis PAPAPETROU; Liberal Party, Nikos ROLANDIS :Cyprus Government Turkish area: National Unity Party (UBP), Dervis EROGLU; Communal Liberation Party (TKP), Mustafa AKINCI; Republican Turkish Party (CTP), Ozker OZGUR; New Cyprus Party (YKP), Alpay DURDURAN; Social Democratic Party (SDP), Ergun VEHBI; New Birth Party (YDP), Ali Ozkan ALTINISHIK; Free Democratic Party (HDP), Ismet KOTAK; note - CTP, TKP, and YDP joined in the coalition Democratic Struggle Party (DMP) for the 22 April 1990 legislative election; the CTP and TKP boycotted the byelection of 13 October 1991, which was for 12 seats; the DMP was dissolved after the 1990 election; National Justice Party (MAP), Zorlu TORE; United Sovereignty Party, Arif Salih KIRDAG 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%, Glafkos KLERIDES 48% House of Representatives: last held 19 May 1991; results - DESY 35.8%, AKEL (Communist) 30.6, DEKO 19.5%, EDEK 10. 9%; others 3.2% seats - (56 total) DESY 20, AKEL (Communist) 18, DEKO 11, EDEK 7 Turkish Area: President: last held 22 April 1990 (next to be held April 1995); results - Rauf R. DENKTASH 66%, Ismail BOZKURT 32.05% Turkish Area: Assembly of the Republic: last held 6 May 1990 (next to be held May 1995); results - UBP (conservative) 54.4%, DMP 44.4% YKP .9%; seats - (50 total) UBP (conservative) 45, SDP 1, HDP 2, YDP 2; note - by-election of 13 October 1991 was for 12 seats 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; note - the Turkish-Cypriot administered area of Cyprus has observer status in the OIC Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Michael E. SHERIFIS; Chancery at 2211 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202) 462-5772 US: Ambassador Robert E. LAMB; Embassy at the corner of Therissos Street and Dositheos Street, Nicosia (mailing address is APO AE 09836); telephone [357] (2) 465151; FAX [357] (2) 459-571 Flag: white with a copper-colored silhouette of the island (the name Cyprus is derived from the Greek word for copper) above two green crossed olive branches in the center of the flag; the branches symbolize the hope for peace and reconciliation between the Greek and Turkish communities; note - the Turkish cypriot flag has a horizontal red stripe at the top and bottom with a red crescent and red star on a white field :Cyprus Economy Overview: The Greek Cypriot economy is small, diversified, and prosperous. Industry contributes 24% to GDP and employs 35% of the labor force, while the service sector contributes 44% to GDP and employs 45% of the labor force. Rapid growth in exports of agricultural and manufactured products and in tourism have played important roles in the average 6.4% rise in GDP between 1985 and 1990. In mid-1991, the World Bank "graduated" Cyprus off its list of developing countries. In contrast to the bright picture in the south, the Turkish Cypriot economy has less than half the per capita GDP and suffered a series of reverses in 1991. Crippled by the effects of the Gulf war, the collapse of the fruit-to-electronics conglomerate, Polly Peck, Ltd., and a drought, the Turkish area in late 1991 asked for a multibillion-dollar grant from Turkey to help ease the burden of the economic crisis. Turkey normally underwrites a substantial portion of the TRNC economy. GDP: purchasing power equivalent - Greek area: $5.5 billion, per capita $9,600; real growth rate 6.0%; Turkish area: $600 million, per capita $4,000; real growth rate 5.9% (1990) Inflation rate (consumer prices): Greek area: 4.5%; Turkish area: 69.4% (1990) Unemployment rate: Greek area: 1.8%; T